From 3 to 6 November 2025, the Fourth China-Africa Deans of Education Forum was successfully convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Forum was co-organized by the Faculty of Education of Beijing Normal University (BNU), the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED), and the College of Education (College of Teacher Education) of Zhejiang Normal University.
Chinese delegation with the organizing partners
Since its launch in 2022, the China-Africa Deans of Education Forum has become a key platform for strengthening dialogue and cooperation among teacher education institutions in China and Africa. This year marked the Forum's first time being hosted on the African continent. More than 30 deans, scholars, and institutional leaders from seven African countries: Ethiopia, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire, as well as from seven Chinese normal universities, gathered to exchange insights under the theme "Teacher Education Research and Development in the Digital Era". Officials from UNESCO and the African Union also joined the event.
On 3 November, IICBA and partner institutions held the "Educators Shaping Futures" Forum. H.E. Ambassador Jiang Feng, Head of the Mission of China to the African Union, and Ethiopia's State Minister for Higher Education, H.E. Kora Tushune, delivered opening remarks. More than 200 education experts and teacher representatives from around the world attended the event.
H.E. Ambassador Jiang Feng delivering remarks
The thematic discussions of the China-Africa Deans Forum took place on 4-5 November. Representatives from Chinese and African universities shared practices and innovations related to digital teaching, online course development, digital skills training for teachers, and inter-organizational collaboration. Zhejiang Normal University, Southwest University, Université Virtuelle de Côte d’Ivoire, and Turkana University College presented their experiences in advancing digital transformation. Experts from Beijing Normal University, Makerere University, and Jimma University showcased cases on building online courses, integrating interactive platforms, and innovating pedagogical approaches. Delegates from Accra College of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, and Northeast Normal University discussed pathways for strengthening both pre-service and in-service teacher digital competencies.
During session four, Ms. Wang Siyao, Programme Coordinator at INRULED, introduced INRULED's cooperation framework and latest achievements with teacher education institutions worldwide. She reviewed key progress in rural teacher policy research, capacity-building initiatives, and international advocacy. She emphasised that teacher education institutions play a pivotal role as bridges connecting policy, research, and classroom practice, particularly for strengthening the quality of rural education.
Ms. Wang Siyao presenting during session four
At the roundtable session, participants exchanged views on the future development of the Forum. Deans from China and Africa agreed that the Forum has become an essential mechanism for regular exchange and collaborative innovation among teacher education institutions. They called for more diverse and practical forms of cooperation to jointly enhance the quality and capacity of teacher education systems across both regions.
During the Forum, delegates visited the College of Education and Behavioral Studies at Addis Ababa University and Menelik II High School to gain a deeper understanding of Ethiopia's education system.
Deans from China and Africa visiting the College of Education at Addis Ababa University
After the Forum, the Chinese delegation visited the Headquarters of the African Union and met with Ms. Sophia Asipala, Head of the Education Division of the Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation. The delegation shared updates on the China-Africa Teacher Education Centre, established at Beijing Normal University in 2024. The AU highly commended the successful hosting of the Forum in Africa and expressed strong interest in deepening cooperation with INRULED and Chinese universities to advance the education goals of Agenda 2063.
Chinese delegation visiting the Education Division of the African Union
Since its inception, the Forum has brought together nearly 70 deans and education experts from China and Africa. Its influence has continued to expand. This year, Chinese normal universities participated in a group visit to Africa for the first time, engaging in institutional exchanges and school visits that helped shift cooperation from "dialogue and exchange" to "joint action".
Looking ahead, INRULED will continue to advance collaboration in research, training, and digital innovation; strengthen partnerships among teacher education institutions; and contribute to building a China-Africa education community that supports more equitable and sustainable educational development.