HE

Higher Education in Africa

Universities and higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa are characterised by challenges associated with low enrolment, poor quality programme delivery, poor quality research and innovation, and limited institutional and human capacities to formulate policies or initiate reforms, among others.

In trying to address these challenges, the World Conference on Higher Education was held to promote dialogue, exchange ideas and generate solutions to these diverse challenges. The conference itself was informed by the outcomes the Regional Conference on Higher Education (CRESA) held in Dakar, Senegal in November 2008 organised by UNESCO and its partners.

The recommendations from the WCHE+10 inform the work programme of the years 2010/2011 in close collaboration with the special Interagency Task Force for the follow up of the WCHE in Africa on the revitalization of Higher Education.

The revised Arusha Convention is considered an instrument that facilitates the recognition of studies, degrees and certificates across the African region promoting mobility of persons and skills in an effort to integrate the continent. Once this Convention is adopted and ratified by member states, it would become central to the Work of UNESCO.

UNESCO Africa work:

- To promote the collection, analysis and use of quality data to inform policy dialogue, and strengthen national capacities in higher education institutions to plan and initiate reforms, deliver relevant and high quality programmes and engage in research and innovation.

- To work with the AU, and the AAU to encourage African countries endorse, ratify and implement the revised Arusha Convention.
- To  monitor the implementation of the Arusha Convention
- To strengthen partnerships and through the Interagency Task Force mobilise resources for adequate financing of Higher education in SSA.

UNESCO Africa results:

- ¨Publication “Access to Higher Education in Africa
- ¨Status of the actions implemented since the last World Conference on Higher Education
- ¨Elaboration of strategies for actions that better benefit to the development of SSA during the next décade
- ¨Thinking on the status and role of Higher Education in current political, social and economic dynamics