They further called for stronger collaboration among Catholic schools, universities, seminaries, religious congregations and Episcopal Conferences across Africa and Madagascar. The conference was convened in response to the mandate of the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly that was held in Kigali, Rwanda, in July 2025, bringing together more than 100 participants, including Bishops responsible for education, Catholic universities, national Catholic education commissions, religious congregations, education experts, researchers and partners. Rafael Simbine Junior, said that the conference sought to strengthen continental collaboration and provide strategic direction for Catholic education as a catalyst for evangelization, integral human development and sustainable social transformation across Africa and its Islands. According to the Bishops, Catholic education should also promote research, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development that respond to the realities and aspirations of Africa and create employment opportunities for graduates of Catholic educational institutions. They also affirmed the “inalienable right of every child and young person to receive quality education rooted in truth, justice, faith and human dignity,” and described Catholic education as “an integral part of the evangelizing mission of the Church.”