On behalf of the governing board, members, secretariat, and staff of the Association of African Universities (AAU), we cordially invite all higher education stakeholders to the virtual launch of the AAU Strategic Plan (2024–2030), holding on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM GMT. Please register to participate in this event via this link – https://tinyurl.com/StrategicPlanLaunch

Since its founding in November 1967, the AAU has played a pivotal role in coordinating and networking Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Africa, while leading the charge in developing and promoting a unified vision for higher education on the continent. Currently, the AAU has a membership of about 450 HEIs from 48 African countries. Guided by a series of strategic plans, the AAU has remained committed to serving its community with excellence.

In line with best practices, we continuously review our strategic plans to stay attuned to global trends and enhance our service delivery to member universities. The disruptions caused by artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications of generative AI tools for higher education have necessitated critical reflections within the global higher education community. Our previous strategic plan (2020–2025) was revised to incorporate emerging trends in African higher education, particularly considering the lessons learned and new priorities that arose post-COVID-19.

The new strategic plan, to be launched on August 14, 2024, reflects a comprehensive, bottom-up approach in its development. The AAU Secretariat staff convened at a retreat to discuss the previous strategic plan and identify necessary revisions. A dedicated task force was established to lead the review process, which was further enriched by an online survey targeting Vice Chancellors of AAU member universities and other key higher education stakeholders. Their insights and suggestions have shaped the direction of this revised plan, ensuring it meets the dynamic needs of our community. In the face of changing global trends and increasing competition in higher education, we are prioritizing intellectual engagements on critical issues that address Africa’s developmental aspirations.

The AAU remains committed to providing a platform for discussions on African higher education, with key resolutions shared and disseminated to relevant stakeholders. The revised strategic plan places a strong emphasis on the contribution of African higher education to international development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The plan also aligns with the ongoing evaluations of the CESA 16-25 and STISA 2024 frameworks as they transition into their next phases.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the various stages of revising this strategic plan and look forward to the continued support of the African higher education community in making this plan a success.

For the 2024-2030 period, the AAU will focus on five key strategic areas:

1. A favorable higher education policy environment promoted in Africa at national, regional, and continental levels supported by evidence-based advocacy.
2. The capacities of AAU Member Universities strengthened to deliver on their mandates.
3. Higher education in Africa harmonized and standardized to enhance inter-institutional collaboration, networking, and competitiveness.
4. Research Excellence and Management advanced as a mechanism of impacting Africa’s development.
5. Innovations promoted to impact African Higher Education Systems and Africa’s Development

New AAU Focal Areas:

• Research
• Higher Education Access and Mobility
• Responding to Emerging Issues
• Higher Education Capacity Building and Empowerment
• Building the African Higher Education Space (Quality Higher Education for Skills and Competencies)
• Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence
• Advocacy Platform for Collaboration
• AAU Diaspora Programme
• AAU Television and Public Broadcasting
• Continental Initiatives
• Collaboration and Partnerships for Higher Education Development
• African Research Innovation and Development Network (AfRID)

We look forward to your participation in the launch of our new strategic Plan