The African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) are convening the inaugural meeting of the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026–2035) Cluster on Gender, Equity, Inclusion, and Disability. The meeting is being held from 10th – 11th February 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The objectives of the meeting are to orient and align all cluster members with the new CESA 2026–2035 framework, and to review and validate the impact analysis of the Gender Equality Strategy under CESA 2016–2025. Participants will draw key lessons to inform the Gender Framework for CESA 2026–2035. The gathering will also allow members to discuss and validate the new framework for gender equality within CESA, and to develop and adopt a comprehensive, collaborative, and results-oriented workplan for 2026, aligned with the AU Theme of the Year. In addition, members will review and strengthen the cluster’s membership and governance structure to enhance effectiveness and accountability. The meeting further serves as a platform to deepen partnerships and mobilise commitments for joint activities and resource mobilisation in support of the 2026 workplan.
In her opening remarks, the Coordinator of AU CIEFFA, Mrs. Simone Yankey, reaffirmed AU CIEFFA’s commitment to the new CESA. “AU-CIEFFA, through this journey, has worked to ensure that our policies and initiatives are aligned with continental frameworks.” she noted. This convening comes at a critical moment as the continent transitions from the implementation of CESA 2016–2025 to the new CESA 2026–2035. The meeting will provide an opportunity to present the Gender Framework for CESA 2026–2035 and to gather feedback from the members in attendance. “Together, with all stakeholders, our cluster forms an indispensable driving force for the advancement of girls’ and women’s education in Africa. This cluster would be a strategic alliance to better address emerging challenges, especially in line with the African Union Decade for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2025–2034), the new CESA”, she added.
The new CESA 2026–2035 is structured around 10 Clusters and six strategic areas:
- Resources and Enabling Environment
- Teachers, Educators, and Caregivers
- Basic Education (Foundational, Socio-emotional, & Labour Market Ready Skills)
- Higher Education and TVET
- Second Chance Programmes and Lifelong Learning
- Gender, Equity, and Inclusion
FAWE is represented by its Executive Director, Dr Martha Muhwezi. Cluster members participating both in person and virtually include UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), UN Women AU Liaison Office, Girls Not Brides (GNB), Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), Oxfam International, VVOB Education for Development, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), AUDA NEPAD, ACHPR.
