The Association of African Universities (AAU) has unveiled a bold six-year strategic plan, outlining 11 key focus areas aimed at revolutionizing higher education across the continent. Announced during a recent online event, this comprehensive blueprint is designed to enhance research capacity, broaden access and mobility in higher education, and address pressing global challenges.
The strategic plan prioritizes strengthening research capabilities, with a vision to position African higher education institutions as leaders in science, technology, and innovation. Specific targets include tackling climate change, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promoting excellence in arts, social sciences, and languages. It also emphasizes "knowledge diplomacy" and initiatives to "green" higher education, ensuring universities contribute significantly to sustainable development.
A key objective of the plan is to improve access and mobility in higher education. The AAU aims to expand staff and student exchange programs, foster regional integration, and enhance the appeal of African universities to international students. “We have excellent universities in Africa. What we need is to promote them so that people can come from outside the continent and study here, reducing the movement of students to other continents,” said AAU Secretary General Professor Olusola Oyewole.
The plan also addresses emerging issues, including the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies into education. It highlights the importance of leadership and management development, with efforts to build capacity among university staff, strengthen academia-industry linkages, and encourage regional cooperation.
Communication and outreach are integral components of the plan. The AAU will expand its AAU TV programming, enhance its social media presence, and revamp its website. Additionally, the Africa Research, Innovation and Development Network (AFRID) will be further developed to boost research collaboration across the continent.
Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, the strategic plan will be evaluated mid-term in 2027, with a comprehensive final review at the end of the six years to assess its impact and outcomes. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the AAU’s mission to elevate African higher education on the global stage.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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