Call for Abstracts & Papers – Association of African Universities’ 16th Quadrennial General Conference, 21-25 July, 2025 |Rabat, Morocco

Introduction
As Africa strives to address socio-economic challenges and achieve sustainable growth, the transformation of the continent’s higher education institutions (HEIs) to drive innovation, address sustainable development goals (SDGs), and empower future generations becomes increasingly critical. Transforming Africa’s higher education institutions (HEIs) is no longer optional; it is an urgent imperative to address the continent’s socio-economic challenges and realize the vision of Africa’s Agenda 2063. By fostering innovation, driving sustainable development goals (SDGs), and equipping future generations with relevant skills, HEIs can catalyze Africa’s sustainable growth and prosperity.

The current challenges in higher education in Africa underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and innovative approaches across the continent. The integration of innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance curriculum relevance; investment in research infrastructure; establishment of collaborative research networks; harnessing of digital technologies, particularly the expansion of e-learning platforms and incorporation of ICT in teaching and learning; introduction of industry-driven curriculum to strengthen university-industry linkages; and the establishment of technology transfer offices and business incubation hubs within HEIs are some of the known strategies that act as catalysts for higher education to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development in Africa.

Conference Details and Objectives
The Association of African Universities (AAU), the apex organization for higher education in Africa, is organizing its 16th Quadrennial General Conference (QGC) in Rabat, Morocco, from July 21st to 25th, 2025. This flagship event is proudly hosted by two esteemed Moroccan AAU member institutions: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), host of the General Conference—and Mohammed V University (UM5), host of the AAU Governing Board Meeting.
Under the broader theme Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development of Africa, this conference is set to achieve three main objectives, namely:

1. Enhancing access and equity in higher education to reduce barriers to entry and improve retention rates;
2. Fostering research and innovation ecosystems by providing funding and support for innovative projects that address local and regional challenges; and
3. Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into curricula and institutional practices to ensure that education contributes to sustainable societal transformation.

Sub-themes
Proposals are encouraged to address various forms of narratives under the nine (9) sub-themes supporting the main theme, namely:
• Sub-theme 1 – Policy, Governance and Advocacy for Transforming Higher Education
• Sub-theme 2 – Artificial Intelligence and Technology-driven Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Institutions
• Sub-theme 3 – Curricula Re-engineering and smooth Credit Transfer System
• Sub-theme 4 – Collaborative Research and Capacity Building
• Sub-theme 5 – Climate Change, Green Energy and Blue Economy
• Sub-theme 6 – Entrepreneurship Skills and Competencies
• Sub-theme 7 – Funding Infrastructural Development in Higher Educational Institutions
• Sub-theme 8 – Indigenous Knowledge and Preservation of Environment Through Culture
• Sub-theme 9 – Contribution of Higher Education to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Please access the Conference Concept Note for further information on the conference subthemes.

Call for Submissions:
This call for submissions represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the transformation of higher education in Africa. By addressing the critical issues outlined in the sub-themes, we can collectively shape a future where higher education serves as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable development, and the overall betterment of the African continent. The AAU invites researchers, educators, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from across the African continent and beyond to submit their abstracts, papers, and case studies addressing the above sub-themes.
Submissions should provide innovative insights, practical solutions, and actionable recommendations that will shape the future of higher education for the innovation and sustainable development of Africa. We look forward to your valuable contributions and engagement in this crucial dialogue.

Submission Guidelines:
Submissions should clearly articulate the narrative type, thematic focus, proposed presentation modality, and relevance to the conference theme. Submissions should include a brief bio of the presenter(s) and contact information.

1. Abstracts should be between 150 and 300 words (see Call for Papers for further details on the
   Conference website).
2. Full papers should not exceed 6,000 words.
3. All submissions must be in English or French.
4. Submissions should include the author’s name, affiliation, and contact information.
5. Deadline for abstract submission: Friday 28th March 2025 at 16:30 GMT.
6. Submissions should be sent to: https://indico.aau.org/event/1/abstracts/
7. Notification of successful abstracts: By Friday, 18th April 2025
8. Deadline for submission of full papers: Friday 13th June 2025 @ 16:30 GMT

Evaluation Criteria:
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Relevance to the theme and sub-themes.
• Originality and innovation.
• Clarity of objectives and methodology.
• Practicality and applicability of recommendations.
• Contribution to the advancement of higher education in Africa.

Important Dates:
• Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday 28th March 2025
• Notification of Decision: By Friday 18th April 2025
• Conference Dates: 21st– 25th July 2025

Note: We are committed to hosting a high-quality conference that brings together experts from Africa and around the world. While we are unable to provide funding for paper presenters this
year, we have worked to keep conference registration fees as low as possible. Successful presenters will be responsible for their own conference travel expenses.

For any further enquiries, please contact – gencon2025@aau.org