ADEA's Commitment to Higher Education

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) recognizes the transformative power of Higher Education (HE) and research in unlocking human capital, advancing knowledge, nurturing innovation, and addressing socio-economic challenges. ADEA supports the capacity and quality of the academic workforce and advocates for the development of continental and regional Quality Assurance (QA) and accreditation systems. This ensures education standards are maintained and improved, fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration among various stakeholders.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) increasing cross-border mobility, mutual recognition of qualifications, certifications, and robust quality assurance are essential. These factors enhance the employability and mobility of students and staff and ensure the quality and relevance of HE. ADEA’s dedication aligns with the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025 (CESA 16-25), the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024), and Africa’s Agenda 2063. These strategies reflect a commitment to a responsive HE ecosystem that contributes to national and continental competitiveness and growth. ADEA focuses on areas like technology, university-industry collaboration, and climate action, ensuring the benefits of relevant education are accessible to all, shaping ‘The Africa We Want.’

ADEA’s Approach to Higher Education

The ADEA 2008 Biennale catalyzed a call for a paradigm shift in African education systems, advocating for holistic, integrated, and diverse structures. This shift recognizes the diversity of tertiary education institutions, ownership, partnerships, and delivery modes, asserting the necessity for education at this level to complement other levels in fostering critical skills for lifelong learning and enhancing scientific and technological competencies in a globalized Africa.

ADEA champions harmonization efforts and the establishment of national QA agencies to foster a culture of quality and accountability, despite financial constraints. National Qualifications Frameworks are pivotal tools for promoting lifelong learning, capacity development, and the mobility and transferability of qualifications continent-wide. Recognizing the varied pace of progress across countries and regions, ADEA encourages cross-national and regional collaboration, exemplified by the SADC region’s Qualification Framework.

Furthering this, ADEA supports the implementation of regional and continental frameworks like the Addis Convention and the African Standards and Guidelines (ASG-QA) to enhance the recognition and QA of HE qualifications and institutions. In the digital age, ADEA promotes integrating ICT, open and distance learning (ODL), and open educational resources (OER) to broaden access, equity, and innovation in education, addressing the digital divide and skills gap.

ADEA seeks to reverse the trend of low graduation rates, especially among females, in scientific fields like engineering and science. It envisions a future where HE institutions are dynamic hubs offering specialized micro-credential programs and comprehensive degree programs, positioning African HE and scientific research to compete globally. Building trust and confidence through consensual agreements on HE will enable the portability and transferability of qualifications, fostering intra-continental and mobility of African citizens.

ADEA Achievement Highlights in Higher Education

Strategic Insights: ADEA has launched extensive initiatives, including:

• Continental Mapping of Higher Education and Research: Providing a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the HE landscape across the five African regions.
• ICT Study: Conducted in 34 African countries on the use of ICT across educational levels, including HE, during crises, with actionable recommendations for digital infrastructure investments.
• Remote Education Benchmarking Toolkit (REBTK): Piloted and validated in Senegal and Morocco to build resilient African education systems.

Inter-Country Quality Node on Higher Education and Scientific Research (ICQN-HESR): Hosted by the Government of Senegal, this platform serves as an intergovernmental hub for policy dialogue and collaboration among African Ministers of HE, research, and innovation, enhancing the quality of HE and research.

High-Level Policy Dialogue Forum (HLPDF): The 2022 forum on Higher Education and Scientific Research brought together over 200 stakeholders to discuss the role of digitalization in education and research, and the growing involvement of the private sector in impact funding, sustainability, and job creation. Visit the HLPDF website.

Triennale 2022: ADEA’s flagship and major continental event, held in Mauritius, focused on reimagining Africa’s HE and scientific research landscapes by leveraging digitalization and EdTech to enhance access and equity. Over three days, key stakeholders including policymakers, educators, and international partners convened to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 and discuss the transformative potential of digital tools in Higher Education. Visit the Triennale website.

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