Africa Day 2026: Advancing Unity, Education, and Workers’ Rights in Africa
On Africa Day, 25 May 2026, Education International Africa (EI Africa) joins the continent in celebrating the vision of unity, solidarity, and shared progress.
Africa Day reminds us of the main goals and beliefs the African Union (AU) was built on. It is a call for cooperation, justice, and dignity for all African people.
Quality public education is a right for all, necessary for the economic and social progress of all Africans. Quality public education builds strong, peaceful, and democratic societies. It equips citizens with the skills and values needed for the future. We must invest in education to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.
EI Africa calls for increased public investment in education. Schools must be well resourced. Teachers and education support personnel (ESP) must have the tools they need to succeed. Privatization and underfunding must be rejected.
We also highlight the importance of decent work for education workers. Teachers and ESP face low pay, job insecurity, and poor working conditions in many countries. Their rights must be respected. Fair wages, job security, and safe workplaces are essential.
We reaffirm the role of unions in promoting democracy and social dialogue. Governments must engage education unions in good faith. Freedom of association and collective bargaining must be guaranteed.
Africa’s development must be inclusive. Gender equality and equal opportunities for all are critical. Women and girls must be empowered through education. Barriers to participation must be removed.
We also recognise the importance of youth and the teaching profession. Africa’s future depends on its young people. Investing in teachers is investing in the future of the continent.
EI Africa calls for peace and stability across Africa. Education must be protected in times of crisis. Learners and education workers must be safe at all times.
On this Africa Day, we stand united with education workers and unions across the continent. Together, we can build a just, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.
We call on African governments to:
- Invest in public education.
- Respect the rights of education workers.
- Promote social dialogue.
- Advance equality and inclusion.
- Strengthen unity and solidarity across the continent.