Africa-Press – Eswatini. Principals from across Africa gathered in Uganda for the 13th African Confederation of Principals (ACP) Conference, where they pledged to harness innovation and technology to ensure inclusive, fair , and climate-responsive education.
The four-day conference, held under the theme “Harnessing Innovation and Technological Advancement for Relevant, Equitable and Inclusive Education in the Face of Climate Change in Africa”, brought together delegates from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
ACP President Welcome Sipho Mhlanga, who also serves as Principal of Hermann Gemeiner High School in Eswatini, officially welcomed delegates and described the event as a platform to transform schools and shape the future of education. With vast experience in leadership, Mhlanga has served as President of the Eswatini Principals’ Association and brings more than two decades of experience as a headteacher, giving him deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing school leaders across Africa.
“The African Confederation of Principals is such a tree, grounded in the continent’s realities, nurtured by our shared experiences, and reaching out to provide shade, wisdom, and connection to every school leader across Africa,” he said, quoting Pan-Africanist leader Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe.
Mhlanga highlighted ACP’s progress since his executive took office in 2023, Mhlanga has overseen a period of growth and renewed purpose for the organisation. Under his leadership, the ACP developed a strategic blueprint to strengthen its role across the continent. The executive hosted productive Council Meetings in Accra, Ghana, and Livingstone, Zambia, fostering collaboration and clear direction for the body. During this period, Zambia and Zimbabwe joined the ACP, reflecting its expanding influence. The organisation also leveraged technology through webinars and virtual exchanges, connecting school leaders across geographical and economic divides and encouraging broader engagement in professional development.
He also acknowledged challenges, particularly limited financial resources that restrict programme implementation and expansion. Despite this, he stressed that ACP remains determined to grow its impact. “A tree with deep roots does not fear the wind,” he said.
The ACP president further called for greater recognition at the African Union, arguing that principals must have a voice in shaping education policy. “No meaningful education transformation can be achieved without the voice of the principal, the leader closest to where learning actually happens,” he said.
Mhlanga thanked the Government of Uganda and the Association of Secondary School Headteachers of Uganda (ASSHU) for hosting the conference and reaffirmed ACP’s mission of “Building Educational Bridges Across Africa.”
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