2. Supporting the Pan African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency

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The Pan African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency work area aims to support the establishment of a continental body for the quality assurance sector in higher education. This includes promoting the Pan African Quality Assurance Framework (PAQAF) and the African Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ASG-QA) to enhance mutual recognition of qualifications, fostering cooperation across countries and regions to improve quality assurance policies. This work area provides technical assistance to the African Union and key stakeholders as they pursue sustainable and inclusive models for this body.

This Work Area builds on the important document produced by HAQAA2 which outlines a four phase progressive establishment of the PAQAA.

Key Components:

  • Policy Development:
    Development and promotion of frameworks for uniform quality assurance approaches across Africa, aligned with international standards.
  • Training and Capacity Building:
    Capacity-building programmes enhance stakeholders’ understanding of quality assurance frameworks and operational effectiveness.
  • Implementation:
    Supports practical adoption of the PAQAF and ASG-QA, fostering policy integration at continental levels.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Creation of a continental body or structure for quality assurance and accreditation in higher education.
  • Set up of an interim structure to provide secretarial support to this body.
  • Enhanced regional and continental collaboration for mutual recognition of qualifications across Africa.
  • Establishment of a register of national quality assurance agencies compliant with the ASG-QA, enhancing transparency and recognition of QA and accreditation decisions.

Activities: