MEDIA ADVISORY

Continental Coordination and Capacity Forum for CESA Thematic Clusters

INVITATION TO THE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

What:  Continental Coordination and Capacity Forum for CESA Thematic Clusters

Theme: Advancing Implementation, Resilience, and Monitoring of CESA 26-35 and CTVET-34

When: 28 - 30 April 2025.

Where: Concord Hotel and Suites, Nairobi, Kenya

Why: Building on the achievements of CESA 16–25, CESA 26–35 seeks to accelerate inclusive, equitable, high-quality education systems that equip African learners with competencies for the future of work, innovation, and sustainable development. CTVET-34 complements this by strengthening TVET systems for youth employability, entrepreneurship, industrialization, and economic growth.

To drive implementation, the African Union Commission has established a Thematic Cluster Architecture under CESA 26–35, bringing together Member States, RECs, partners, academia, civil society, and the private sector for policy dialogue, coordination, knowledge sharing, monitoring, and joint action.

Effective delivery now requires stronger cluster coordination, enhanced Member State and REC capacity, and harmonized monitoring aligned with the RACA Framework. Recent crises, including COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate shocks, have further underscored the need for resilient education systems, including teacher well-being, MHPSS, peace education, and regional collaboration under the AU Decade of Education and Skills Development (2025–2034).

In response, the African Union Commission is convening the Continental Coordination and Capacity Forum for CESA Thematic Clusters to strengthen collaboration, operationalize clusters, align workplans, harmonize governance and reporting, build implementation capacity, and promote best practices in TVET and skills development for employability across Africa.

Objectives:

To strengthen continental, regional, and national coordination for the implementation and monitoring of CESA 26-35 and CTVET-34 by inaugurating and aligning CESA thematic clusters, enhancing Member States’ and RECs’ capacities, and harmonizing cluster workplans, governance structures, and reporting mechanisms while promoting education system resilience through policy dialogue on teacher well-being, peace education, and regional collaboration frameworks.

Specific Objectives:

• Inaugurate and operationalize CESA Thematic Clusters and align their governance and coordination mechanisms.
• Strengthen the capacity of AU Member States and RECs to implement and monitor CESA 26-35 and CTVET-34.
• Harmonize cluster workplans, monitoring systems, and reporting frameworks aligned with the Results and Accountability Framework (RACA).
• Promote knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices on TVET and skills development for employability.
• Facilitate policy dialogue on education system resilience, including teacher well-being, peace education, and regional cooperation mechanisms.

 Expected Outcomes:          

• Validated CESA thematic cluster workplans and governance mechanisms.
• Strengthened national and regional capacities to implement and monitor CESA 26–35 and CTVET-34.
• Harmonized monitoring and reporting frameworks aligned with the Results and Accountability Framework (RACA).
• Strengthened REC-led coordination and reporting mechanisms.
• Improved policy guidance on teacher mental health and psychosocial support.
• Enhanced integration of peace education and education resilience approaches within national education systems.
• Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders on TVET and skills development for employability.

Participants:

The forum will bring together approximately 120-150 participants, including:

• Ministries of Education and TVET authorities from AU Member States.
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
• CESA thematic cluster leads and co-leads.
• Development partners (UNESCO, UNICEF, AfDB, World Bank, etc.).
• Academic institutions and research organizations.
• TVET institutions and private sector partners.
• Civil society organizations.

For further information, please contact:

1. Dr. Caseley Olabode Stephens | Principal Officer, Basic and Secondary Education | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation | African Union Commission| E-mail: StephensC@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For media inquiries, please contact:

2. Mr. Maqhawe Freedom Thwala | Digital Communications Officer | Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: ThwalaM@africanunion.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org