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The Association of African Universities (AAU) is leading a major research initiative on the state of access to higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa under a project supported by the British Council. This initiative forms part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive and equitable education systems across the continent.
The study provides a comparative, evidence-based analysis across seven countries, namely Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, reflecting a diverse range of higher education contexts within the region.
Higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa are under increasing pressure, driven by rapid demographic growth, rising secondary school completion rates, and growing expectations for universities to contribute to economic development, social mobility, innovation, and democratic participation. Against this backdrop, the study aims to generate deeper insights into the barriers and opportunities shaping access to higher education, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and system responsiveness.
The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining desk reviews, institutional case studies, student surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and digital access diagnostics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of access across different national contexts. To strengthen analytical depth, the study is also developing two innovative tools: a Digital Readiness Scorecard and an Equity and Inclusion Index, designed to assess institutional capacity and inclusiveness.
Implementation follows a structured timeline. A piloting phase was conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, followed by data collection from February to March 2026. Analysis and synthesis are currently underway, with final outputs expected in May 2026. These will include country and cross-country reports, a policy options paper, and stakeholder validation workshops to support engagement with policymakers and institutions across the region.
The study is expected to generate actionable, policy-relevant recommendations to inform decision-making, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote equitable access to higher education across the region. Through this initiative, AAU is contributing to broader continental and global priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which call for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
