SECAM opens its First continental conference on Catholic Education in Africa
The First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa has opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on August 6, 2026, bringing together Church leaders, educators and partners to reflect on the future of Catholic education and its contribution to integral human development across the continent.
Organised by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) under the theme “Strengthening Catholic Education for Integral Human Development in Africa,” this Pan-African Conference runs from August 5 to 8, bringing together more than 120 participants from all the regions of the Continent and its Islands.
Opening the conference in Addis Ababa, on August 6, the President of SECAM, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, welcomed participants and described Catholic education as “one of the Church’s most noble and enduring missions,” stressing that education lies at the heart of evangelization and integral human development.
At the opening ceremony, distinguished speakers highlighted the importance of Catholic education in Africa, such us the Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia, His Excellency Brian Ngozi Udaigwe, Bishop Dejene Hidoto representing the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona on behalf of the African Union (AU) and SECAM Secretary General Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior. Students representatives from the Cathedral School in Addis Ababa, and others Schools, have also presented a message to Participants.
SECAM President expressed gratitude to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, the African Union, UNESCO, development partners and participating institutions for their collaboration for this continental gathering.
He recalled that the conference responds to resolutions of the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly held in Kigali in July 2025, where African bishops identified the need to strengthen collaboration and develop a renewed continental vision for Catholic education.
Education must create fraternity and foster dialogue among peoples
According to Cardinal Ambongo, Catholic schools, universities and formation centres have historically gone beyond academic instruction by forming consciences, cultivating virtue, strengthening families and preparing generations for service to God and society.
He noted, however, that contemporary challenges, including poverty, inequality, violent conflict, forced migration, environmental degradation, unemployment and rapid technological and artificial intelligence developments, require Catholic education to go beyond technical competence.
“Education must create fraternity, foster dialogue among peoples, promote social responsibility and awaken ecological consciousness,” he said, highlighting the educational vision associated with Pope Francis’ Global Compact on Education.
The President also acknowledged the longstanding contribution of religious congregations, Catholic universities and educational networks across the continent, including the Association of Catholic Universities and Higher Institutes of Africa and Madagascar (ACUHIAM) and other organizations supporting academic excellence and innovation.
A central objective of the conference is to prepare the establishment of a SECAM Commission for Catholic Education, said SECAM Secretary General. Participants are expected to examine its proposed mission, mandate, structure, priorities and Terms of Reference. The proposals will subsequently be presented to the SECAM Standing Committee for consideration and approval.
This Commission, the President stressed, is intended not to replace existing institutions but to strengthen collaboration, communion and strategic coordination.
He urged participants to engage in “attentive listening, sincere dialogue and courageous discernment” to develop a common vision for Catholic education capable of responding to Africa’s present and future needs.
Charles Ayetan
