AfriQAN Annual Conference 2026 Advances the Future of Quality Assurance in African Higher Education

The African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN) successfully hosted its 2026 Annual Conference, bringing together quality assurance professionals, higher education leaders, policymakers, development partners, researchers, and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to discuss the future of quality assurance in African higher education.

Held under the theme “Continental Collaboration for Quality Assurance in Africa,” the two-day conference – hosted on July 21-22, 2026, provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, dialogue, and collaboration on emerging trends, innovations, and policy developments that are shaping higher education across the continent.

The conference featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that explored critical issues, including the evolving role of quality assurance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, online and transnational education, emerging academic disciplines, curriculum innovation, and the importance of strengthening regional and continental cooperation.

Participants emphasized the need for quality assurance systems to evolve beyond compliance-driven approaches towards continuous improvement, innovation, learner-centred education, and impact. Discussions highlighted the importance of preparing graduates with the competencies required for a rapidly changing world while ensuring that higher education remains relevant to Africa’s development aspirations and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

A major outcome of the conference was the renewed commitment of AfriQAN members and partners to deepen collaboration among quality assurance agencies, higher education institutions, regional bodies, and international organizations. Participants also reaffirmed their support for continental initiatives aimed at harmonizing quality assurance systems, promoting mutual recognition of qualifications, and strengthening institutional capacity across Africa.

The conference concluded with the AfriQAN General Assembly, during which members reviewed the Network’s progress, discussed strategic priorities for the coming years, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing excellence in African higher education.

In his closing remarks, the leadership of AfriQAN thanked all participants, speakers, partners, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the success of the conference. Members were encouraged to translate the knowledge and recommendations from the conference into concrete actions that will strengthen quality assurance systems and enhance the quality, relevance, and global competitiveness of African higher education.

As Africa’s leading network dedicated to quality assurance in higher education, AfriQAN remains committed to fostering collaboration, promoting best practices, supporting capacity development, and advancing a culture of continuous quality improvement across the continent.

About AfriQAN

Hosted by the Association of African Universities, the African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN) is a continental network of quality assurance agencies and higher education stakeholders committed to promoting quality assurance, enhancing collaboration, facilitating capacity development, and supporting the harmonization of higher education systems across Africa.