Call for Hosting the Association of African Universities (AAU) General Conference 2029

The Association of African Universities (AAU) will hold its 17th Quadrennial General Conference (QGC) in July 2029. The QGC, comprising representatives of members, associate members and observers, is the supreme authority of the Association and is responsible for determining the general policies of the Association. It is normally a five-day event centered around issues of relevance to higher education in Africa.

The QGC comprises two parts; the first is the business session, which evaluates the performance of the AAU in the preceding four years and approves of the programmes in the subsequent four years. The business session also incorporates the election of a new 15-member Board to steer the affairs of the Association for the next four years.

The second part of the QGC is the scientific discussions of the theme and sub-themes of the Conference under the biennial Conference of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of African Universities (COREVIP). At the 17th General Conference, the 24th COREVIP will be held.

These events are jointly organised by the AAU and a member institution in good reputation with the Association (i.e. having zero arrears in annual subscription payment). It should be noted that the co-hosting of this most important event in the calendar of the African higher education community provides very high-level visibility and exposure to the host institution and country because of the calibre and number of academic leaders, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and other stakeholders that usually attend it, and it is, therefore, a highly sought-after event.

2029 QGC THEME
Yet to be finalized.

CALL FOR HOST
The AAU hereby invites applications from member institutions for the co-hosting of this prestigious quadrennial Conference.

The Host’s Responsibilities
The host university will be expected to contribute to the organisation of the Conference, financially or in kind, in the areas of:
• Local transportation for participants.
• Airport “meet and greet” (reception and facilitation of immigration procedures).
• Traditional items as gifts to presenters and sessional chairs.
• Welcome Reception or Dinner for participants.
• Publicity and media coverage (local press, radio and TV, conference photographer).
• Arrangement of courtesy calls by the Governing Board on appropriate government authorities in the host country.
• Arranging excursion visits by delegates.
• Providing the Secretariat for the Conference (equipment and supplies).
• Decorations, banners, invitations to Opening/Closing Ceremony and receptions.
• Cultural display during open and closing ceremonies.

Bid Submission:

Institutions interested in hosting the AAU General Conference 2029 should submit their bids, by applying via this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ZDIG_HEQC0elgxzC-lC4v5zOX9CysWZCtVAlnK39wBxUQVdPRzZXRlVTUlZONk5RRUVTMFdOTE0xQy4u

Submission Deadline: 30^th June 2025
For any inquiries, please contact: events@aau.org