Education in Africa was under the spotlight as Education Ministers from the African Union countries met for the COMEDAF III five-day conference in Johannesburg South Africa early in August. Issues relating to the Second Decade of Education for Africa initiative were discussed. The COMEDAF III project was launched by the African Union in 2006 and focuses on improving educational quality and learning achievement, teacher education and professional development.

In preparation for the COMEDAF III meeting, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Education Ministers held a meeting to review progress in the area of education and training.  One of the key developments during the meeting was the endorsement of an African Education, Science and Technology Fund and Strategies for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Teacher education and higher education in general were also part of the discussions during the meeting. The proposed fund also seeks to develop regional and continental qualification frameworks to facilitate the mobility of students and staff.

Over 200 delegates, comprising Ministers of Education of the African Union, international organisations and education experts from across the globe attended the meeting. Africa is a priority for the EU Portuguese Presidency; this meeting set the tone for global education challenges to be faced by the Presidency and the EU.

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