Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 3 October 2025 – The African Union Commission today announced the introduction of a new category for the teachers prize, the Rural Continental Teacher Award within the African Union Continental Teacher Awards (CTA), to begin in 2026 and continue for an initial period of three years.
The new category, developed in partnership with Humana People to People and the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation, will spotlight the critical role of rural teachers who deliver quality education despite limited resources and persistent challenges. With nearly 70% of Africa’s population living in rural areas, this recognition aims to address the urgent need to support and elevate teachers serving the continent’s most underserved communities. Selection criteria include demonstrated impact in rural or otherwise underserved areas, innovative low-resource teaching methods, strong community engagement, proven leadership, and a sustained commitment to inclusion and measurable student learning outcomes.
H.E Professor Gaspard Banyankibona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, highlights that, “this special recognition will shine a spotlight on teachers working in rural and hard-to-reach communities, who often overcome significant challenges to provide education to children in the most disadvantaged areas. By acknowledging their dedication, we reaffirm our commitment that no child, no teacher, and no community is left behind”.
“Through our network of teacher training colleges in Africa, we see every day how teachers transform the lives of children and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Snorre Westgaard, Chairman of Humana People to People. “This partnership allows us to shine a spotlight on rural teachers whose tireless work too often goes unnoticed. Their dedication is the foundation of equitable education, and by amplifying their voices, we can inspire renewed investment in rural education and raise the status of the teaching profession”.
This year’s 2025 CTA served as a soft launch for this new commitment through a Special Recognition of Rural Excellence, supported by Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation. For the first time, the following five teachers have been selected from the CTA awardees and honoured specifically for their outstanding commitment and service to rural and underserved communities, with an additional prize of $2,000 awarded to support their continued work:
The CTA, a flagship initiative under the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, annually recognises outstanding teachers who improve learning outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and advance Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By placing rural educators at the heart of the awards, this expanded framework reaffirms Africa’s commitment to closing the education gap and ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to quality teaching.
