In this edition of Africa of the Future 116, two African teachers, Phuti Ragophala of South Africa and Michael Wamaya of Kenya make it to the top 50 and 10 finalists respectively of the $1 US million Global Teacher Prize – a flagship event of, and a culmination of the 3rd Global Education and Skills Forum 2017 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The prize goes to one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession. The other teacher we feature in the programme is Salima Begum of Pakistan who also made it to the top 10 finalists. We find out how they feel about being shortlisted and their respective journeys in teaching and what motivates them.