The African Union Commission unveiled a new prize category within the African Union Continental Teacher Awards (CTA): the Rural Continental Teacher Award during the World Teachers’ Day.
The category is slated to begin in 2026 and run for an initial three-year period.
Developed in collaboration with Humana People to People and the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation, the Rural Continental Teacher Award will spotlight rural educators who deliver quality education despite limited resources and ongoing challenges.
With nearly 70% of Africa’s population living in rural areas, organizers say this recognition seeks to bolster support for teachers serving the continent’s most underserved communities.
Selection criteria include demonstrated impact in rural or underserved areas, innovative low-resource teaching methods, strong community engagement, proven leadership, and a sustained commitment to inclusion and measurable student learning outcomes.
H.E. Professor Gaspard Banyankibona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, remarked, “This special recognition will shine a spotlight on teachers in rural and hard-to-reach communities who overcome significant challenges to educate children in disadvantaged areas.”
Snorre Westgaard, Chairman of Humana People to People, commented: “Our network of teacher training colleges across Africa shows daily how teachers transform lives and strengthen communities. This partnership allows us to highlight rural teachers whose tireless work often goes unnoticed. Their dedication is the foundation of equitable education, and by amplifying their voices, we can encourage renewed investment in rural education and raise the profession’s status.”
This year’s 2025 CTA served as a soft launch for the new commitment through a Special Recognition of Rural Excellence, supported by the Humana People to People Educational and Training Foundation. Five teachers were selected from the CTA awardees for outstanding service to rural and underserved communities, with an additional $2,000 prize to support their ongoing work:
- Jepkosgei Chemoiwa – Kenya
- Sachitanand Ramdhonee – Mauritius
- Ntombonzuko Mkizwana Zuki – South Africa
- Allen A. Thomas – Liberia
- Chaabane Naoures – Tunisia
As the CTA remains a flagship initiative under the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, it continues to recognize educators who improve learning outcomes, elevate the teaching profession, and advance Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By placing rural educators at the center of the awards, the new framework reinforces Africa’s commitment to closing the education gap and ensuring every child, regardless of location, has access to quality teaching.
A panel of judges selected 100 finalists through a competitive evaluation process. Additionally, 11 individuals received honorary awards for outstanding service to African business and community leadership. These honourees included:
Kenya to the World—One Print at a Time
Fashanne & the Power of the People
