Catholic education: shaping Africa’s future with faith, knowledge and hope

Catholic education: shaping Africa’s future with faith, knowledge and hope

Editorial, SECAM News Year 2026 No. 7

By Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior

The First Continental Conference on Catholic Education in Africa, organized by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) from 6-8 August 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, represents a significant landmark in the Church’s educational mission. Under the theme, “Strengthening Catholic Education for Integral Human Development in Africa”, the gathering highlights the essential role of Catholic education in evangelization, leadership formation and the transformation of African societies.

The 2025 Catholic Church Statistics demonstrate the global impact of Catholic education, with 102,455 primary schools serving more than 36.2 million pupils and 52,085 secondary schools educating over 20.7 million students. Africa stands as the leading continent in Catholic infant, primary, and secondary education. However, the comparatively lower presence of Catholic institutions in higher education points to the urgent need for increased investment in universities, research, and leadership formation to strengthen the continent’s future.

With Africa’s young population representing a major source of hope and potential, Catholic schools remain vital spaces for academic excellence and character formation. Beyond transmitting knowledge, they cultivate values of integrity, solidarity, justice, and respect for human dignity. Through their graduates, Catholic educational institutions continue to contribute to society by preparing leaders committed to service in government, business, healthcare, education, and the Church.

Africa’s Catholic Education Roadmap

The 2025-2050 Vision of the Church in Africa, adopted by SECAM in July 2025, places Catholic education at the center of the Church’s mission. The Vision emphasizes that “investing in education is investing in the future of the Church and of Africa,” encouraging sustainable initiatives, local engagement and responsible stewardship to support the Church’s pastoral, educational, and social responsibilities.

The Addis Ababa conference will address critical issues shaping the future of Catholic education, including Catholic identity, educator formation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, safeguarding, environmental responsibility, governance, and financial sustainability. The discussions reflect the Church’s commitment to respond to new educational needs while staying true to its mission.

A key outcome of the conference will be the development of the 2026-2031 Continental Roadmap for Catholic Education and progress toward establishing the SECAM Education Commission. These initiatives aim to strengthen cooperation, improve educational quality, and promote a shared vision for Catholic education across Africa.

Through education, the Church continues to accompany Africa toward a future of hope, dignity, and integral human development.

Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior

Secretary General of SECAM

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