ACTEA Marks 50 Years at General Assembly in Ethiopia

BISHOFTU, Ethiopia — The Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) is holding its General Assembly in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, bringing together theological educators and Christian leaders from across Africa and beyond, under the theme “Future Ready, Mission Faithful.”

The gathering, which also marks ACTEA’s 50th anniversary, has attracted representatives from theological institutions in 31 countries, highlighting the organization’s continental and global influence in shaping theological education.

Among those present are members of the Executive Board of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) – Rev. Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng, The Most Rev. Engineer Elias Taban Parangi, CPA Phyllis Mutua, Rev. Souina Potifar, Bishop Bobó Gomes Có, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, Advocate Kimathi Kamencu and Dr. Master Matlhaope, who joined the Executive Director of ACTEA, Dr. David Tarus, the board, secretariat and general assembly of the association. Dr. Matlhaope is also the President of ACTEA.

This event was also graced by the immediate former Executive Director of ACTEA, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich, who is now the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Kitale. Dr. Chemengich was among other leaders in the theological space who spoke powerfully concerning matters that affect Christian Theology today. Various speakers have addressed contemporary challenges facing Christian theology and theological education in Africa, calling for institutions to remain faithful to the mission of the church while preparing leaders for a rapidly changing world.

Founded in 1976, ACTEA was established as a project of the Theological Education Commission of the AEA under the leadership of the then General Secretary, Dr. Byang Kato. The organization was created to provide accreditation and support for evangelical theological institutions across Africa at a time when formal quality assurance systems for theological training were still developing on the continent.

ACTEA, Africa’s leading accrediting body for evangelical universities, seminaries and Bible colleges, is an institution of the AEA and exists to strengthen theological education through institutional accreditation, research, and capacity-building. This organization seeks to strengthen theological education so that churches across Africa can be led by well-trained and biblically grounded leaders.

This 50th anniversary gathering is both a celebration of ACTEA’s legacy and a moment to chart its future. As theological institutions navigate technological change, shifting cultural contexts, and the growing African church, we pray that ACTEA continues to equip institutions that will serve the church and contribute to the transformation of society in Africa and beyond.