A delegation from the African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) has successfully concluded an assessment visit to Mbabane, Eswatini, held from 3rd – 4th November 2025. The visit is part of AU CIEFFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen advocacy for the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign across African Union Member States.
As with previous field missions under the Campaign, the field visit was conducted under the theme: “Strengthening Inclusive Education and Advancing Girls’ and Women’s Access to Quality Learning.” The visits aimed to: assess the status of girls’ education, examine the effectiveness of reintegration mechanisms, including national policies and programs for out-of-school girls, and evaluate the implementation of the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign, focusing on its impact, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
The mission also provided a platform for Eswatini to showcase its ongoing initiatives and progress in advancing girls’ and women’s education. The AU CIEFFA teams used the opportunity to assess the impact of national investments in girls’ education and the sustainability of campaign-related initiatives. The delegation was led by Ms. Prudence N. Ngwenya, Director of the African Union Women, Gender and Youth Directorate. The team was received by Ms Nanikie Mnisi, the Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Under Secretary is Ncamsile Mntshali. They met with various education and gender stakeholders who presented their initiatives to promote girls' and women’s education.
The delegation also visited several institutions to document best practices and facilitate peer learning, including Sigcaweni High School (FAWESWA School), Gwamile Vocational Training Institute, and the Women Farmers Foundation.
It is worth noting that Eswatini joined the second phase of the Campaign in February 2025. Supported by the World Bank under the East Africa Girls' Empowerment and Resilience (EAGER) Project, the visits represent a vital component of AU CIEFFA’s broader mission to ensure education for all, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and the inclusion of girls and young women in Africa’s education systems.
The delegation comprised Ms Sophia Ashipala, Head of the Education Division for the AUC’s Department of Education, Science, and Technology, Ms Gifty Asiedu, AU CIEFFA Focal Point from the Ministry of Education, Ghana and AU CIEFFA Staff.
