BOTEPCO rallies media ahead of continental education summit
Kingsley Kuda | Tuesday May 5, 2026 10:00
During a press briefing held on April 30, 2026, BOTEPCO officials outlined Botswana’s readiness to host the high-level gathering scheduled for May 5–8 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC).
The engagement brought together members of the media, stakeholders and partners, with BOTEPCO positioning the conference as a significant milestone for Botswana’s education sector and its growing role in continental dialogue.
BOTEPCO Registrar, Dr Raphael Dingalo, described AFTRA as a platform aimed at strengthening teacher regulation, enhancing professional standards and fostering collaboration among African countries. He said the 2026 conference will run under the theme 'Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Implications for Africa'.
According to presentations made during the session, the conference has already attracted interest from a wide range of countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, and Namibia, as well as international organisations such as the African Union and UNESCO.
Dr Dingalo said Botswana is on course to deliver a successful event, citing strong institutional coordination and logistical preparedness. He added that the conference is expected to contribute to the development of education systems across Africa through knowledge exchange and policy engagement.
“AFTRA provides a platform for sharing best practices and advancing the teaching profession across the continent,” he said.
BOTEPCO Manager for Corporate Affairs, Mercy Rebaone Thebe, outlined the programme, which will include ministerial sessions, technical discussions, exhibitions, awards and cultural activities. She also confirmed that a media engagement plan has been finalised to ensure consistent coverage before, during and after the conference.
Thebe further revealed that a media conference pack will be distributed to support accurate reporting, whilst also highlighting ongoing sponsorship opportunities for organisations seeking to participate in the event.
On the first day of the conference, the Education minister is expected to lead a ministerial session where policymakers from across Africa will deliberate on key issues affecting the teaching profession.
The session is expected to produce a ministerial declaration outlining common positions on education policy.
BOTEPCO Director of Corporate Affairs, Ntsholeng Thabana, commended the media for its continued support, stressing the importance of partnerships in amplifying education sector developments.
The AFTRA Conference and Roundtable is expected to attract ministers, regulators, education leaders and development partners from across the continent and beyond.
Organisers say the event will not only strengthen teacher professionalism but also boost Botswana’s profile as a hub for knowledge exchange and international conferences.
Beyond education, officials anticipate broader economic benefits from hosting the conference, including increased activity in the hospitality and business events sectors, as highlighted in the presentation’s conclusion.
BOTEPCO says it remains committed to delivering a “world-class and transformative” conference that will leave a lasting impact on the teaching profession in Africa.