INITIAL MODULE
Materials on African Higher Education Integration
Welcome to the HAQAA3 Capacity Building Training in Higher Education Data for Policy. Before we dive into the technical aspects of data management, indicators, and policy formulation, we must ground our work in the broader context of African higher education. As a foundation for the training you will be taking on this website, participants are expected to study the HAQAA2 Materials on African Regional and Continental Integration in Higher Education
Originally produced under HAQAA2, this compilation provides the essential frameworks for understanding African Continental and Regional Integration in Higher Education. By engaging with these materials, you will develop the critical context needed to see how robust, harmonized data systems can drive regional cooperation, support quality assurance, and ultimately advance the harmonization of higher education across the continent.
Participants are expected to dedicate two weeks to review and study these foundational materials. Reading Period: July 27 – August 10
In this introductory video, Prof. Ramon Torrent of Obreal presents a comprehensive analytical framework essential for designing and implementing robust higher education policies. You will explore the critical stages of the policy-making process, learning how to establish the necessary preconditions and define clear, actionable objectives before initiating reform. The session further guides you through identifying complex policy dimensions and selecting the most appropriate practical instruments to ensure successful execution. Whether you are drafting new guidelines or refining existing systems, this framework serves as a vital strategic tool for navigating the harmonization of quality assurance and accreditation in higher education. Watch this video before reading the reference material to build a strong, structured foundation for your ongoing policy work.
READING MATERIALS
Recommended Reading Focus: given the comprehensive nature of the HAQAA2 Material on Regional Integration in the Area of Higher Education in Africa, you do not need to read the entire document cover-to-cover immediately. To optimize your preparation for this training, we highly recommend focusing your initial study on the following specific sections:
Presentation I & II: These sections outline the core rationale of the materials and detail the specific barriers to African continental integration and
Chapter 1 (The Analytical Framework of Regional Integration: This chapter provides the essential road map for understanding the preconditions, objectives, instruments, and dimensions of regional integration.
Chapter 2 (The Analytical Framework of Higher Education Policy): This chapter adapts the integration framework specifically to higher education reform, providing the conceptual tools needed for policy analysis.
Chapter 3 & 4 (Higher Education in the framework of African Continental and Regional Integration): These chapters offer a comprehensive overview of the complex, multi-level agreements and initiatives currently shaping the African higher education landscape.
Chapter 10 (Quality and Quality Assurance): Reliable data is the backbone of quality assurance; this chapter discusses the African Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ASG-QA), which is critical for understanding the policy applications of higher education data.
