Issue 004 - March 30, 2026
Welcome
Dear Esteemed Stakeholder,
The AAU, through its efforts to deepen Africa's participation in global knowledge partnerships and resource-focused academic cooperation, is mobilizing a delegation of up to 80 Vice-Chancellors to participate in the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Joint Academic Dialogue. This event is convened by the Rector of St. Petersburg Mining University and has been scheduled to take place in late 2026 in St. Petersburg, Russia. This strategic engagement is targeted at universities offering Mining and Geosciences programmes at undergraduate level and above. This comes as a follow-up to the MOU signed between the AAU and the International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO, based in St. Petersburg Mining University. Accommodation and meals will be covered by the host institution, while delegates will be responsible for their travel and any additional expenses incurred beyond the stipulated summit period.
Vice Chancellors interested in joining the AAU delegation are kindly requested to formally express their interest by writing to secgen@aau.org and copying ransford@aau.org.
We further bring to your attention a selection of upcoming capacity-building opportunities and strategic engagements being undertaken in collaboration with our valued partners, and encourage you to explore these opportunities and share them widely within your networks.
Kindly see the information outlined below:
EVENTS
1. AAU e-Learning Summit – Edition 3
Building on the successes of the 2024 and 2025 editions, the AAU is pleased to invite higher education stakeholders to participate in the 2026 edition of the AAU eLearning Summit, to be convened virtually under the theme "eLearning Priorities for African Universities." This edition deliberately focuses on identifying the most relevant and actionable eLearning priorities for African universities in the present and near future. A key outcome of the Summit will be the development of a consolidated report capturing shared priorities, practical case studies, and institutional best practices, which will be made available to all AAU member institutions. The Summit will bring together higher education leaders, policymakers, instructional designers, and industry experts to engage in critical dialogue on shaping the future of digital education in Africa.
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
2. Digital Transformation in Practice Executive Leadership Workshop
AAU in partnership with eLearnAfrica, is convening a flagship Digital Transformation in Practice Executive Leadership Workshop to empower the key agents of change within the African higher education ecosystem such as Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, and Directors as well as the faculty and administrators who leverage technology daily in teaching, research, and operations. Focusing on key pillars of modern institutional readiness — Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Essential Digital Skills — participants will develop the knowledge and practical frameworks needed to make informed decisions, manage risks, and implement effective strategies.
Date: May 5 to 8, 2026
Location: AAU Secretariat, Accra, Ghana
Registration fee: 400 USD
Enquiries: aaulms@aau.org / commserve@aau.org
Workshop registration form | Payment link | Read more on the blog
3. Positioning Your University for Global Visibility 3.0 – Anglophone Region
The AAU is inviting participation to the 3rd Edition of the Positioning Your University for Global Visibility Workshop, to be co-hosted in Nairobi, Kenya by KCA University from 14th – 17th July 2026. This workshop presents a unique opportunity for engagement among university leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academic professionals committed to strengthening their institution's global visibility and standing.
The registration fee is US$700 per participant from AAU member institutions and US$800 per participant from non-AAU member institutions.
Registration deadline: May 29, 2026
Enquiries: Ms. Comfort Afia Yeboah at cayeboah@aau.org / partnerships@aau.org or via WhatsApp at +233 268 798 812.
4. Webinar on AI & Higher Education – Francophone Edition
As AI continues to shape the global education landscape, this webinar explores the understanding of AI in higher education — where universities should begin with AI integration — and institutional opportunities and strategic pathways. Organized in collaboration with Subula e.U, under the theme "AI & Higher Education: Capacities, Use Cases & Institutional Strategies", this edition is strictly for the Francophone region.
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 @ 10:30 GMT
Enquiries: igisele@aau.org or ajohnson@aau.org
5. Vice-Chancellors' Forum – Season 1, Episode 1
Under the AAU Vice-Chancellors' Forum, a biweekly virtual platform, university leaders are provided with a unique opportunity to showcase their institutions to the wider academic community and development partners, with the aim of strengthening collaboration and global engagement. Episode 1, Season 1 will feature the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Makerere University, Uganda, Professor Sarah N. Ssali, who will share insights into the University's progress in digitizing teaching and learning.
Date & Time: Friday, 10 April 2026, 12:00 GMT
Format: Virtual
Register here to join this high-level discussion.
6. Francophone Edition – Position Your University for Global Visibility 1.0
The AAU invites its members in the Francophone region to the first edition of the French-only Positioning Your University for Global Visibility workshop, to be held under the theme, "Mastering University Rankings for French-speaking Universities in Africa: Understanding, Navigating and Strategically Engaging with Global Rankings." This maiden edition presents an important opportunity for institutions seeking to strengthen their capacity in rankings engagement and global visibility within the francophone region.
Participation is limited to 35 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participation Fees:
- 500 USD for AAU member institutions
- 600 USD for non-member institutions
These fees cover training materials, lunches/refreshments, certificates, and local transport.
Airfare, accommodation, visas, and other personal expenses are the responsibility of participants.
Date: 7–9 July 2026 | Location: Cameroon
Enquiries: igisele@aau.org
7. Francophone Media Masterclass
AAU TV, under the auspices of the Association of African Universities (AAU), will host a one-day Virtual Media Masterclass exclusively for Francophone African higher education institutions. This capacity-building session is designed to equip communication professionals, media staff, and students with practical skills in digital media content creation and storytelling. The masterclass will cover essential techniques for developing digital content, engaging diverse audiences, and producing high-quality audio and video materials.
Date & Time: Thursday, 9 April 2026 @ 9:00 GMT
Platform: Zoom
Registration Fee: USD 50
Enquiries: jkornor@aau.org or lnyame@aau.org
8. Climate Change and Sustainability Education CoP Convening
The Africa–Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP) has launched its next Community of Practice on Climate Change and Sustainability Education. The Community of Practice will convene stakeholders from Africa and Europe to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and collaborate on curriculum innovation, climate literacy, youth engagement, and research–policy–practice linkages.
CoP Meetings: 31 March, 2 April, and 7 April 2026 @ 12:30 GMT
Webinar: 10 April 2026 @ 12:30 GMT
Read more on the AEIP platform | Join the Community of Practice
FEATURED
Highlights
1. The AAU is delighted to welcome Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana, and Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia, to the AAU fraternity. We invite our community to join us on our social media platforms in congratulating these institutions as they become part of Africa's leading network for higher education cooperation, innovation, and development.
2. In a recent opinion piece, Prof. Oyewole Olusola Bandele, Secretary General of the AAU, examines how the Pan African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Framework (PAQAA) technical unit, developed under the Harmonisation, Accreditation, and Quality Assurance Initiative in African Higher Education (HAQAA) initiative, is translating continental commitments into tangible outcomes. The piece highlights PAQAA's growing role in advancing credible, coordinated, and results-oriented quality assurance systems across African higher education. Click to read the opinion piece.
3. Published on University World News, this commentary draws on insights from the AAU–Afrobarometer webinar convened in January 2026 to mark the International Day of Education. The dialogue called for moving beyond symbolic youth participation to meaningful co-creation in higher education, positioning young Africans as partners in shaping curricula, governance, and policy for the continent's transformation. Read more.
4. The Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2026–2035 (CESA 26–35) outlines a shared framework for strengthening education systems across the continent, with attention to access, quality, relevance, equity, skills development, and digital transformation. In an interview with University World News, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General of the AAU, reflects on what it will take to move the strategy from policy to practice, underscoring the importance of sustained political commitment, adequate financing, effective institutional coordination, and clear accountability mechanisms. Read more.
5. As part of activities marking International Women's Month, the AAU featured Dr. Felicia Nkrumah PhD Kuagbedzi, Acting Coordinator for ICT, Communication & Knowledge Management, in a special interview on the Hello Africa morning show on AAU TV. The conversation set the tone for a successful International Women's Day webinar held on Wednesday, 25 March, under the theme "Give to Gain: Empowering Women in Higher Education." Dr. Nkrumah reflected on advancing gender equity in academia and highlighted the impact of initiatives such as the Women in Higher Education Network (WoHEN) in empowering women, strengthening mentorship, and creating pathways for female leadership across African universities. Click to watch the interview.
OPPORTUNITIES
1. Vacancy – Head of Information Technology (IT)
The AAU invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Head of Information Technology (IT), responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Association's digital transformation, as well as the planning, security, and management of its ICT systems and services. In line with the AAU's representational mandate, qualified candidates from Southern and Eastern Africa are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online and should include the completed application form accessible via: https://www.research.net/r/HOIT26
Application deadline: 30 March 2026
2. CHINNOVA Launches Second Call for Proposals (CFP2)
The Climate Change and Health Innovation Hub for West and Central Africa Initiative (CHINNOVA) has launched its 2nd call for proposals (CFP2) to support collaborative, interdisciplinary research addressing the impacts of climate change on health systems. With a total envelope of USD 1 million, CHINNOVA will fund at least five high-quality research projects, with up to USD 200,000 per project over 24 months (2026–2028). The call is open to universities, accredited research institutes, and NGOs with a research mandate based in eligible countries across West and Central Africa.
Priority areas include health systems resilience, climate and health data, climate-sensitive diseases, gender and inclusion, community engagement, and policy innovation.
Deadline: 8th May 2026
3. EAIE Doctoral Research Grants 2026 (€4,500)
The European Association for International Education (EAIE) has opened applications for its 2026 Doctoral Research Grants initiative. This opportunity is open to doctoral students and candidates worldwide whose research connects international higher education to the European context and the EAIE community. Up to five grants of €4,500 each will be awarded. In addition to the financial support, awardees will receive a fee waiver to attend the 2027 EAIE Conference and Exhibition, where they will have the opportunity to present their research through a poster or conference session.
Full information on this grant's initiative can be found here
4. IAS–UM6P Residency Programme (Morocco) – Call for Applications
Distinguished researchers, scholars, and creators are invited to apply for the IAS–UM6P Residency Programme, a six-month fully immersive residency hosted at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, from July–December 2026. Residents are expected to dedicate their time to an approved research or creative project while actively contributing to the Institute's intellectual life through seminars, discussions, and interdisciplinary exchange. Required application documents include a letter of intention, a detailed project proposal, a curriculum vitae, and key publications.
Application window: 1 March – 15 April 2026
Location: UM6P Campus, Benguerir, Morocco
5. TWAS–DFG Cooperation Visits Programme
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides postdoctoral researchers living and working in sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to make a three-month 'Cooperation Visit' to a research institute in Germany. Such visits must be undertaken within 12 months of the award. The aim of the visit is to initiate research collaboration between African and German scientists with the goal of developing longer-term links, perhaps through other Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, or German Research Foundation) programmes. DFG will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Germany. The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
All information, including the online application form, is available here
6. Call for Participation – 7th Global Education Deans' Forum (GEDF 2026)
The 7th Global Education Deans' Forum (GEDF 2026) will take place in Shanghai and Xi'an, China, from 22–27 October 2026, bringing together deans and leaders of schools of education worldwide for high-level dialogue and collaboration. Organised by the Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, in partnership with Shaanxi Normal University, the forum will explore the theme "Education's Dingli" — focusing on the core values, mission, and strategic resolve of education in times of global transformation. Airfare and accommodation expenses are to be covered by the participants. The organizer will provide some meals during the conference and local transportation for scheduled visits.
Dates: 22–27 October 2026 | Locations: Shanghai & Xi'an, China
Enquiries: gedf@ecnu.edu.cn
Association of African Universities (AAU)
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