Under the theme, “Reimagining Higher Education for Africa’s Human Capital Development,” delegates explored what a relevant, high-quality, impactful, and sustainable higher education system should deliver for Africa’s young people
ACCRA, Ghana – Leaders from Africa’s higher education institutions, the African Union, government ministries, global and regional financial institutions, industry partners and young people gathered this week in Accra, Ghana, for the inaugural Higher Education Transformation Convening hosted by the Mastercard Foundation (http://www.MastercardFdn.org). The Convening also marked the first Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize (https://apo-opa.co/4xEFdET) award ceremony, recognizing institutions advancing sustained, institution-wide transformation.
Under the theme, “Reimagining Higher Education for Africa’s Human Capital Development,” delegates explored what a relevant, high-quality, impactful, and sustainable higher education system should deliver for Africa’s young people.
“Transformation is not just a better university. It is a university that makes the whole economy around it work better for young people,” said Sewit Ahderom, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation. “Four things make that real. Curricula built with employers, so that what is taught is what the country needs, and learning leads somewhere. Credentials that say what a graduate can do, not how long they sat, and that travel with them across borders. Institutions where young people learn to lead the technologies reshaping our economies, not merely operate them. And research that leaves the campus, into industry, into government, into the community, and comes back as enterprise and employment.”
Throughout the Convening, participants explored the shifts needed for universities to become engines of discovery and problem-solving, preparing young people to shape emerging technologies and ensuring that research moves beyond the campus to inform industry, strengthen communities, and contribute to Africa’s development priorities. Discussions also emphasized the importance of focusing research, innovation and skills development in areas where Africa has strategic comparative advantage and the greatest potential for impact, while strengthening private sector partnerships to align talent development and applied research with evolving workforce needs. Young people also called for their experiences and aspirations to be reflected in decisions on education, work, and opportunity, and for them to be active partners in shaping the systems that affect their lives.
“Africa’s young and growing population presents one of the world’s greatest opportunities. Realizing that opportunity will depend on higher education institutions that can develop and retain talent, drive innovation, and create stronger pathways to dignified and fulfilling work,” said Dr. John Nkengasong, Executive Director, Higher Education and Strategic Initiatives, Mastercard Foundation. “Higher education transformation is not simply an education agenda. It is an economic imperative. It requires us to rethink education as a strategic investment and bring together governments, universities, industry, investors, and partners to build the systems that enable young people and economies to thrive. No one institution can do this alone, but through the power of partnerships, this transformation is achievable.”
The convening discussions align with the African Union’s Decade of Education and Skills Development (2025–2034), which calls for stronger education systems, improved learning outcomes, and skills development aligned with Africa’s long-term development priorities, including Agenda 2063.
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