AFTRA is an intergovernmental organisation comprising the Ministries of Education and national agencies regulating teaching in all member states of the African Union. It is the continent's apex body for the professionalization of teaching.

AFTRA is also the Africa regional branch of the world body - International Forum of Teacher Regulatory Authorities (www.iftra.org), and a member of the United Nations International Taskforce on Teachers for Education 2030 (https://teachertaskforce.org/). It is Co-Chair, Teacher Development Cluster, Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025); and member, Advisory Group, African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF). AFTRA's strategic partners are UNESCO Headquarters, Paris; UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA); Commonwealth of Learning of Learning, Canada; Education International Africa Region; Africa Regional Economic Blocs, and others.

The continental frameworks and national laws empower AFTRA and its national agencies to register and license teachers, set standards for pre-service and on-going teacher professional development, develop and implement code of ethics and professional standards for teachers and school leaders, and work generally to promote the professional status of teachers. AFTRA, therefore, works to implement these mandates, facilitate exchange of best practices, and promote teacher mobility. The ultimate goal is to enhance quality teaching and learning throughout Africa for the actualization of SDG4-Education, CESA 2016-2025, and AU Agenda 2063: "The Africa We Want."