In late October 2025, senior leaders of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) from across Africa gathered at the Provincial House in Gotte-ra, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), for a week-long meeting aimed at shaping the future of their mission on the continent.
Growing Presence, Growing Challenges
The SDB’s footprint in Africa has expanded significantly: with more than 2,200 Salesians and 177 novices operating across 210 communities in 42 countries, the organisation is now structured into 15 provinces and four delegations. Consequently, the meeting recognised that quantity alone is not sufficient — there is an urgent need to ensure quality and sustainability in formation, leadership and animation of the Salesian charism.
Four Continental Services & Strategic Focus
Participants at the meeting emphasised the importance of four continental-level services to anchor the growth and mission of the SDB in Africa:
- SAFCAM (Salesian Formation): addressing formation of both consecrated members and mission partners.
- DBTECH Africa: a network of 120 Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) centres across 34 countries.
- Salesian Social Services: platforms supporting social outreach to young people, especially the most disadvantaged.
- Salesian Africa Digital Platforms: digital communication and media tools (web, social) to animate the mission in a modern context.
With the recent restructuring of the Africa-Madagascar region into East-South Africa and Central-West Africa, the meeting launched a six-year strategic plan (2025–2031) focusing on pastoral, educational and formation goals aligned with the General Chapter held earlier in the year.
Formation Landscape & Mission Priorities
During the gathering, leaders shared formation statistics: 273 theology students, 65 Salesian Brothers, 432 post-novices, 228 pre-novices and about 280 aspirants. These figures illustrate both the vitality and the responsibility facing the congregation. Amid rapid expansion, the challenge now is to accompany each individual and community with discernment, accompaniment and deep-rooted formation.
Moreover, the Salesians affirmed their commitment to serving young people — particularly those who are disadvantaged, displaced or marginalised — even in contexts of war, violence, weak infrastructure or limited formation personnel. The mission remains anchored in hope and solidarity.
Animation, Synodality and Momentum
The meeting featured contributions from the Salesian General Council and ecclesial leaders, addressing themes of consecrated life, synodality and leadership in the Church today. This reflects the SDB’s effort to integrate its charism within the broader renewal of the Catholic Church, while adapting to the unique realities of Africa.
Looking Ahead
- Effective animation: The push is on for dynamic, context-specific leadership that can animate communities and formation houses with fidelity to the Salesian spirit.
- Sustainable formation: Rather than growth for its own sake, focus is shifting to formation environments that produce mature, mission-ready Salesians.
- Digital and networked mission: The use of digital tools, social media, and networked TVET centres will be leveraged to reach youth, connect provinces and share best practices.
- Regional coordination: The new East-South and Central-West African regions will play a central role in contextualising mission strategies and ensuring that local realities shape global directives.
Final Reflection
This gathering marks a significant moment for the Salesians in Africa — not just because of the impressive growth in numbers and presence, but because of the recognition that mission demands depth, not simply expansion. By charting a strategic path for 2025-2031, re-emphasising formation and animation, and embracing digital and networked structures, the SDB are positioning themselves to accompany African youth and communities with renewed vigour, fidelity and leadership. The outcomes of this path will shape the next generation of Salesian work across the continent.