The 4th FAWE International Conference on Girls’ Education in Africa will bring together policymakers, educators, researchers, youth leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, private-sector actors, technology innovators and other stakeholders to discuss how Africa can accelerate progress in girls’ education through sustainable financing, innovation, technology, partnerships and accountability.

The conference will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 17–18 November 2026, at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi on Mombasa Road, near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Registration is currently open, with a stated registration fee of USD 100.

The central theme of the conference is:

“Investing in Her Future: Accelerating gender-transformative education for African girls through sustainable financing and innovation.”

The two-day continental convening is designed to move beyond discussion and generate political, financial and institutional commitments that can contribute to stronger and more inclusive education systems for African girls.

About the FAWE International Conference on Girls’ Education in Africa

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is convening the fourth edition of its International Conference on Girls’ Education in Africa as a major continental platform focused on advancing girls’ education.

The conference recognizes that education for girls is closely connected to broader development priorities, including gender equality, economic growth, social cohesion and sustainable development.

According to the conference materials, the event brings together people who shape, finance, research, implement and experience girls’ education. This includes government and policy leaders, development partners, educators, researchers, civil society actors, youth leaders, private-sector partners, technology and innovation actors, and regional and global stakeholders.

The conference is held every three years and is structured around three broad ideas:

• Political commitment
• Sustainable financing
• Innovation

The 2026 edition expands these priorities by incorporating youth leadership, technology, partnerships and accountability.

Conference Theme: Investing in Her Future

The central theme of the 2026 conference is:

“Investing in Her Future: Accelerating gender-transformative education for African girls through sustainable financing and innovation.”

The theme reflects the need to look beyond access to education alone and consider whether education systems are adequately financed, inclusive, innovative and capable of delivering meaningful learning outcomes for girls.

The conference seeks to create a platform where stakeholders can examine how financial resources are mobilized and allocated, how young people participate in decision-making, how technology can improve educational opportunities, and how institutions can become more accountable for results.

Why Is the Conference Being Held?

The conference responds to several challenges affecting efforts to advance girls’ education across Africa.

The conference concept identifies financing, youth leadership, innovation, technology, policy, institutional capacity and accountability as interconnected areas requiring greater attention.

1. Sustainable Financing Gaps

Adequate and sustainable financing remains a major issue in advancing gender-transformative education.

The conference highlights concerns including:

• Education financing remaining below required benchmarks
• Limited gender-responsive budgeting
• The need for more Africa-centered financing solutions
• Weak expenditure tracking
• The need for innovative financing mechanisms

The discussions will therefore examine how governments, development partners, private-sector actors and other stakeholders can strengthen financing for girls’ education.

2. Youth Voice and Leadership Gaps

Girls and young people are directly affected by decisions concerning education financing and policy.

However, the conference concept identifies their underrepresentation in policy and governance spaces as an important gap.

The conference therefore aims to elevate youth voices and create opportunities for young people to participate in discussions around:

• Education financing
• Policy development
• Governance
• Accountability
• Advocacy
• Leadership

3. Innovation, Technology and Partnership Gaps

Technology and educational innovation have significant potential to improve access to learning.

However, access to technology remains uneven, and digital solutions do not always adequately address gender-specific challenges.

This is particularly relevant in:

• Rural communities
• Fragile contexts
• Underserved communities
• Areas experiencing digital inequality

The conference will explore how technology, partnerships and innovation can be used to improve educational opportunities for girls while addressing the barriers that prevent equitable access.

4. Policy, Capacity and Accountability Gaps

The conference also addresses challenges associated with fragmented policies, limited institutional capacity and weak accountability mechanisms.

These challenges can reduce the effectiveness of education financing and programmes.

The conference therefore seeks to strengthen:

• Policy coherence
• Institutional capacity
• Governance
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Monitoring of results

Objectives of the 4th FAWE International Conference

The conference has four central objectives.

1. Mobilize Political, Financial and Institutional Commitments

The conference seeks to mobilize commitments that can sustainably promote gender-transformative education systems.

This includes encouraging political leaders, institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to consider practical approaches to strengthening education for girls.

2. Elevate Youth Voices and Leadership

Another objective is to strengthen the participation of young people in education financing and governance.

The conference recognizes that young people should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to discussions and decisions affecting their education and future.

3. Promote Innovation, Technology and Partnerships

The conference aims to promote innovation and technology that can improve girls’:

• Access to education
• Retention
• Completion
• Learning outcomes

It will also examine the role of partnerships in scaling successful approaches.

4. Strengthen Policy Coherence and Accountability

The conference seeks to strengthen gender-transformative policies, institutional capacity and accountability mechanisms.

This is intended to contribute to more effective education systems and stronger implementation of commitments.

Four Major Conference Sub-Themes

The 2026 conference is organized around four strategic focus areas.

1. Sustainable Financing for Gender-Transformative Education

This theme examines how education systems can secure and effectively use financial resources to support gender-transformative education.

Topics include:

• Domestic resource mobilization
• Gender-transformative budgeting
• Innovative financing instruments
• Public-private partnerships
• Development cooperation
• Impact measurement

The discussions will consider how financing can be designed to produce sustainable improvements in girls’ education.

2. Youth Voices and Leadership in Education Financing and Policy

This theme focuses on meaningful youth participation in education policy and financing.

Possible areas of discussion include:

• Youth participation in planning
• Oversight
• Leadership development
• Mentorship
• Youth-led solutions
• Accountability
• Advocacy

The theme recognizes young people not simply as beneficiaries of education systems but also as participants in shaping those systems.

3. Harnessing Technology and Digital Innovation for Girls’ Education

The third theme examines the role of technology and digital innovation in expanding educational opportunities.

Topics include:

• Inclusive EdTech financing
• Closing the gender digital divide
• STEM opportunities
• Connectivity
• Data
• Innovation ecosystems
• Evidence-based policymaking

The conference will consider how digital tools can contribute to improved access and learning while ensuring that technological progress does not deepen existing inequalities.

4. Gender-Transformative Partnerships, Financing and Accountability

The fourth theme focuses on cooperation between different sectors and institutions.

It includes:

• Multi-sector partnerships
• Private-sector engagement
• Policy coherence
• Institutional capacity
• Governance
• Transparency
• Shared accountability

The goal is to explore how different stakeholders can work together to achieve measurable progress in girls’ education.

What Will Happen During the Conference?

The conference will follow a two-day programme combining high-level discussions with thematic and youth-focused sessions.

The programme will include:

High-Level Plenary Sessions

The opening and plenary sessions will feature keynote addresses from political leaders, development partners and thought leaders.

These sessions will provide a platform for discussing the broader policy and financing challenges affecting girls’ education.

Thematic Breakout Sessions

Participants will take part in parallel discussions organized around the conference’s four major themes:

• Sustainable financing
• Youth voices and leadership
• Technology and digital innovation
• Partnerships and accountability

Youth-Led Dialogues

Youth-led sessions will create space for intergenerational conversations around:

• Education financing
• Governance
• Advocacy
• Accountability
• Youth leadership

Innovation Exhibitions

The conference will also showcase successful programmes, technologies and financing models that have the potential to improve:

• Access
• Retention
• Completion
• Learning outcomes

The combination of plenaries, breakout sessions, youth dialogues and innovation exhibitions is intended to connect high-level policy discussions with practical examples and solutions.

Who Will Attend the Conference?

The conference is designed to bring together a diverse continental and international community of stakeholders.

The official conference information identifies the following groups:

Policymakers

Government and policy leaders will participate in discussions concerning education policy, financing and governance.

Development Partners

Development organizations and financing partners will contribute perspectives on cooperation and investment in girls’ education.

Educators and Researchers

Teachers, educators and researchers will contribute evidence, knowledge and practical experiences related to education.

Civil Society Actors

Civil society organizations will bring perspectives relating to advocacy, implementation and accountability.

Youth Leaders

Young people and youth leaders will contribute to discussions concerning leadership, voice and accountability.

Private-Sector Partners

Private-sector organizations can contribute to discussions around innovation, skills and scaling solutions.

Technology and Innovation Actors

Technology organizations and innovators can contribute expertise relating to EdTech, STEM, data and learning systems.

Regional and Global Stakeholders

The conference also brings together regional and international stakeholders interested in continental alignment and advancing girls’ education.

Registration for the Conference

Registration for the 4th FAWE International Conference on Girls’ Education in Africa is currently open.

The stated registration fee is USD 100.

The registration fee provides participants with access to:

• Plenary sessions
• Parallel discussions
• Side events

Early registration is encouraged to facilitate planning and logistics.

The registration form requests information including:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Country
• Organization
• Participant category
• Gender
• Age range
• Disability information
• Conference interests
• Preferred conference track
• Message or support needs

The available participant categories include government/policymaker, development partner/donor, educator/researcher, civil society, youth/alumni leader, private sector, media and other.

Conference Date and Venue

The conference will take place on:

17–18 November 2026

The location is:

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi
Mombasa Road, Nairobi
Near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Kenya

The venue is positioned near JKIA, which is relevant for international delegates travelling to Nairobi.

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Travelling to Nairobi for the Conference

Delegates travelling to Nairobi are encouraged to make their arrangements early.

The official conference information provides guidance concerning arrival, transportation, accommodation, health, money and other practical considerations.

Airport Arrival

Delegates arriving by air will generally use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

FAWE states that it does not facilitate airport pick-up.

Delegates may therefore use reputable transportation options such as:

• Airport taxis
• Uber
• Bolt
• Little Cab
• Hotel transfers
• Other reputable taxi-hailing services

Entry Requirements

African delegates are advised to verify whether they qualify for visa-free or eTA-exempt entry.

Non-African delegates and anyone uncertain about their eligibility should verify Kenya’s current entry requirements through the official electronic travel authorization platform.

The conference website directs delegates to Kenya’s official eTA platform for this purpose.

Accommodation

Delegates are encouraged to arrange accommodation early and follow official FAWE travel guidance.

The conference information indicates that accommodation and help-desk updates will be communicated through FAWE’s conference channels.

Health and Travel Insurance

Delegates are advised to travel with:

• Appropriate travel insurance
• Personal medication
• Emergency contacts

Participants should make their own arrangements before travelling.

Money

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES).

Cards are commonly used in hotels and shopping facilities, but delegates are also advised to carry some cash.

Traffic and Transportation

Nairobi can experience significant traffic, particularly during peak periods.

Delegates should therefore allow additional travel time when moving between the airport, accommodation and conference venue.

Exploring Nairobi During the Conference

Delegates who have free time during or after the conference may have opportunities to explore Nairobi and its surrounding attractions.

The conference website highlights several places and experiences, including:

Nairobi National Park

A wildlife destination located close to the city and offering a distinctive urban safari experience.

Giraffe Centre

A conservation-focused attraction in Lang’ata where visitors can learn about giraffe conservation.

Karen Blixen Museum

A heritage attraction associated with Nairobi’s Karen area.

Karura Forest

A natural environment offering walking trails, waterfalls and green spaces.

Maasai Market

A destination for local crafts, beadwork, fabrics and souvenirs.

KICC Viewpoint

A location offering panoramic views of Nairobi when access is available.

Karen and Lang’ata

Areas offering dining, museums, conservation attractions and other leisure experiences.

These activities are optional and are not presented as official conference programme activities.

Partnership Opportunities

FAWE is also inviting organizations interested in partnering with the conference.

Detailed partnership information, packages and collaboration pathways are described as forthcoming.

The current partnership focus includes:

• Multi-sector partnerships
• Private-sector engagement
• Policy coherence
• Shared accountability
• Investment
• Innovation

Organizations interested in partnership opportunities can contact FAWE directly for further information.

Conference Contacts

For conference inquiries, FAWE provides the following official contact information:

Email: girlsconference@fawe.org

Telephone: +254 714 606 629

The conference materials also provide emergency and travel-related contacts, including Kenya’s emergency number and other relevant support contacts. Delegates are encouraged to save important numbers before travelling and verify final logistical information through official FAWE communications.

Important Date to Remember

The conference will take place on:

17–18 November 2026

Unlike an application-based funding opportunity, the conference information provided does not state a separate application deadline. Instead, registration is currently open, and early registration is encouraged for planning and logistical purposes.

Why This Conference Matters for Girls’ Education in Africa

Girls’ education remains connected to many dimensions of Africa’s social and economic development.

The FAWE conference brings several of these dimensions together rather than treating education as an isolated issue.

The focus on sustainable financing recognizes that commitments to girls’ education require adequate and sustainable resources.

The focus on youth leadership recognizes that young people should have opportunities to participate in decisions affecting education policy and financing.

The emphasis on technology recognizes the growing role of digital tools and innovation in education while acknowledging that unequal access can create additional barriers.

The focus on partnerships and accountability recognizes that governments, civil society, development organizations, researchers, communities, young people and private-sector organizations all have different roles to play.

By bringing these perspectives together in one continental forum, the conference seeks to connect political commitment with financing, innovation and practical implementation.

Access the Official Conference Information

Participants can access the official conference platform to review:

• Conference background
• Objectives
• Themes
• Sub-themes
• Programme
• Registration information
• Travel guidance
• Partnership information
• Contact details

The official conference website also provides the conference concept note in English and French.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 4TH FAWE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GIRLS’ EDUCATION IN AFRICA 2026

Conclusion

The 4th FAWE International Conference on Girls’ Education in Africa will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 17–18 November 2026, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to discuss the future of girls’ education.

Under the theme “Investing in Her Future: Accelerating gender-transformative education for African girls through sustainable financing and innovation,” the conference will focus on four major areas: sustainable financing, youth leadership, technology and digital innovation, and gender-transformative partnerships and accountability.

The event is designed as more than a conventional conference. Its objectives include mobilizing political, financial and institutional commitments, elevating youth voices, promoting innovation and strengthening policy coherence and accountability.

Participants will have opportunities to engage through high-level plenaries, thematic discussions, youth-led dialogues, innovation exhibitions and networking activities.

Registration is open at a stated fee of USD 100, which provides access to plenary sessions, parallel discussions and side events. The conference will be held at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi, near JKIA.

For policymakers, educators, researchers, development partners, civil society organizations, youth leaders, private-sector representatives and technology innovators interested in girls’ education and gender equality, the Nairobi conference provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaboration and engagement around some of the major challenges facing education systems across Africa.

Interested participants should review the official FAWE conference information, confirm the latest registration and travel requirements, and register early to support their participation and logistical planning.

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Who qualifies / who can participate?

The conference is open to stakeholders from Africa and beyond. The official registration categories include:

• Government officials and policymakers
• Development partners and donors
• Educators and researchers
• Civil society actors
• Youth and alumni leaders
• Private-sector representatives
• Media professionals
• Technology and innovation actors
• Regional and global stakeholders
• Other individuals and organizations interested in girls’ education

There is no race, nationality, country or continental restriction stated in the provided conference information. The website explicitly says stakeholders from Africa and beyond are invited to participate.

The conference is therefore not restricted to African nationals, although its primary focus is girls’ education in Africa. Participants from other regions may attend where they register and meet the conference’s participation requirements.