ACTEA (Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa) is a network of African theological institutions and Christian universities. Its mission is to strengthen theological education across Africa through accreditation, research, and capacity building in order to serve the Church and transform society. Our vision is to see a vibrant African Church transforming society.

ACTEA is a project of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa. It was founded in 1976, then, as Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa.

Yes, ACTEA is a founding member of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE), a global partner of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). ICETE’s core members are the seven regional accrediting associations (Africa: ACTEA; Asia: Asia Theological Association (ATA); Caribbean: Caribbean Evangelical Theological Association (CETA); Europe: European Council for Theological Education (ECTE); Eurasia: Euro-Asian Accrediting Association (E-AAA); Latin America: Association for Evangelical Theological Education in Latin America (AETAL); Middle East and North Africa: Middle East-North Africa Association for Theological Education (MENATE); North America: Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

ACTEA’s continental office is at AEA Plaza, Valley Road, Nairobi, Kenya. However, ACTEA has part-time staff members across the continent.

ACTEA operates on two levels of governance: The General Assembly and a Board. The Board derives its mandate from the General Assembly to which it also reports. The Board meets three times a year while the General Assembly is convened virtually every year and in-person every three years.

Please see the Governance section of this website.

Institutions with full ACTEA Accreditation of their educational programme(s) constitute members of the ACTEA General Assembly who have voting privileges.

ACTEA provides accreditation, research, and capacity building for Africa’s theological institutions and Christian universities.

Membership is open to theological institutions, seminaries, Bible colleges, Christian universities, and other organizations committed to theological education in Africa.

Institutions can apply for accreditation or associate membership by submitting an application through our website or contacting our administrative office for details on requirements and procedures.

An institution must submit a formal application to the ACTEA office, including essential institutional data, a board declaration of intent, and payment of the application fee. Provisional recognition is granted when the institution meets key standards in admissions, faculty, curriculum, and library resources. An on-site visit by an ACTEA Assessor, whose travel costs are covered by the institution, is typically required.

Institutions with ACTEA Provisional Recognition pursue full accreditation of their educational programme(s) by working on a self-evaluation report following the ACTEA Standards and Guide to Self-Evaluation and then hosting a full accreditation visitation team. Fully accredited members become full members of the ACTEA General Assembly with voting privileges.

The Associate Membership status may include universities exploring ACTEA accreditation, theological institutions with provisional recognition, missions agencies (both continental and global), organizations offering non-formal theological education, and even Western-based theological institutions. The sole criterion for Associate Membership is formal acceptance of the AEA Statement of Faith and payment of an annual fee. Associate members can access selected support services offered by ACTEA and its ministry partners.

Accreditation serves two key functions. First, it enables an educational institution to assess itself against commonly accepted quality standards, plan and implement improvements. Second, it provides a means for the institution to demonstrate its achievements in relation to global quality standards, ensuring external recognition and credibility within the academic community.

Accreditation enhances an institution’s credibility, ensures adherence to high educational standards, facilitates recognition by other institutions, and provides access to a network of theological educators and resources.

Institutions seeking accreditation must first apply for provisional recognition by filling in the ACTEA Provisional Recognition form, then host an on-site evaluation visit by ACTEA, and fulfill the accreditation requirements based on ACTEA Standards.

ACTEA offers ‘programmatic’ rather than ‘institutional’ accreditation. This means that ACTEA’s accreditation of one educational programme offered by an institution does not authorize the institution to offer any and all additional programmes. Instead, ACTEA accredits only those programmes for which the institution has specifically sought ACTEA accreditation.

Not yet. While ACTEA accreditation is not recognized by secular governments, its membership in ICETE strengthens its global credibility. As a founding member, ACTEA aligns with internationally respected theological accrediting bodies that uphold rigorous standards. ICETE’s partnership reinforces ACTEA’s legitimacy, ensuring its accreditation is valued within the global evangelical community, even if not officially recognized by governments. ACTEA is actively pursuing recognition by governments. 

Yes. An ACTEA institution, with already accredited programmes, may add accredited status to new or previously non-ACTEA accredited programme(s) through a streamlined path. This streamlined path avoids duplicating the comprehensive self-evaluation which undergirded the accredited status of other programmes. The institution may initiate the process by submitting a requisite application letter and tendering the application fee. Normally an ACTEA Assessor will conduct an official on-site visit after the institution has submitted to the ACTEA office the completed report evaluating compliance of the new programme(s) with the core ACTEA standards. The institution shall meet the travel costs associated with the ACTEA visitation.

Institutions can pay their dues via bank transfer, mobile money transfer, or other approved payment methods. Detailed payment instructions, including bank details, are provided upon request.

ACTEA is funded through membership/accreditation fees, grants, and donations from partner organizations and individuals who support theological education in Africa.

The accreditation process varies depending on the institution’s readiness and commitment but typically takes between 3 to 5 years.

ACTEA is committed to promoting inclusivity and encourages the full participation of women in theological education. Through our ACTEA for Women Department, we support institutions in creating equitable learning environments that empower women in leadership, scholarship, and ministry.

Yes, ACTEA offers capacity building programs for faculty members, executive leaders, librarians, ICT leaders, board members, and institutional leaders to strengthen theological institutions.

Yes, as part of its capacity building programs, ACTEA hosts periodic conferences, consultations, and workshops on various aspects of theological education.

ACTEA provides research support, access to academic networking opportunities, institutional development resources, and guidance on best practices in theological education.

Yes, ACTEA offers guidance in designing, reviewing, and improving theological education curricula to align with global standards while maintaining contextual relevance.

ACTEA facilitates collaborative research initiatives, connects scholars, and provides platforms for sharing theological insights that address contemporary African challenges.

Yes, ACTEA partners with global and regional organizations to advance its mission and enhance the quality of theological training in Africa.

You can reach us via our website, email, or office contacts provided in the ‘Contact Us’ section of our website.

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