The Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving teacher welfare and professional development in Africa.
Its president, Professor Josiah Ajboye, made the affirmation at the authority's 10th Teaching and Learning Conference in Windhoek.
The conference provides a platform for professionals in the field of education to interrogate the challenges, issues, and prospects of the profession, with a focus on ways to transform education on the continent.
"It is my utmost belief that at the end of the conference, strategies to achieve better teacher professionalism in Africa that will deliver better education will be achieved," said Profesor Josiah Ajboye, President of AFTRA.
Professor Ajboye added that the national laws that established the national agencies that regulate teaching empower them to register and licence teachers and set standards for pre-service and ongoing teacher professional development.
The Acting President of the Namibia National Teachers Union (NANTU) said Namibia is in the process of establishing a professional body for teachers.
Daniel Humbu was, however, quick to point out the increasing concerns from the teachers regarding the professional body and issues pertaining to licensure, which they say will affect their job security.
"Our advocacy campaigns still need to bridge this misconstrued perception and bring forth to our members that a professional body can only yield benefits for the profession, the learners, and the nation at large."
Faustin Caley is Namibia's Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture.
"In accordance with global practise and labour regulations, the establishment of a Teachers' Regulatory Authority in Namibia will professionalise the teaching profession and regulate, among others, such matters as teachers' conduct, teacher preparation, recruitment, career advancement, and continuing professional development."
AFTRA also awarded fellowship awards to eight people within the teaching profession from various countries.
The theme of the conference is "Transforming Education in Africa: Teachers, Teaching, and the Teaching Profession".