1. 7 th International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa Abuja, Nigeria (22 – 25 September 2015) Implementation of Pan African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Framework Presented by Dr. Yohannes Woldetensae Senior Education Expert African Union Commission 1 1

2. Introduction The AUC has initiated the development of PAQAF in collaboration with EU and AAU A study was undertaken by two consultants Consultative meeting was held to reach agreed position on the Framework involving continental and regional key stakeholders A validation workshop was held in Accra, Ghana July 2015 to validate the PAQAF Validated Framework  guide implementation of continental QA and accreditation mechanisms 2

3. Why PAQAF Currently no continental mechanism exists for QA and accreditation in Africa The development of PAQAF helps to establish harmonized QA practices in the continent It stimulates the setting up of quality assurance agencies in countries without QA agencies It advances the implementation of revised Arusha Convention (or Addis Convention) It will provide continent wide quality assurance and accreditation mechanism for PAU It reinforces the implementation of AQRM 3

4. Instruments for PAQAF Continental Qualification Framework Revised Arusha Convention (Addis Convention) Continental Standards and Guidelines for QA African Quality Rating Mechanism African Credit Accumulation and Transfer System Continental Register of QA and accreditation agencies, quality assured HEIs, and database of experienced peer reviewers Any other instruments as appropriate 4

5. Continental Standards of Quality Set minimum continental standards with endorsement of national QA agencies Minimum continental standards will serve as a condition for accreditation, under national system Develop standards of excellence to enhance quality and identify centres of excellence Employ AQRM as the basis for setting continental quality standards Consider national, regional, and international good practices 5

6. Approaches to PAQAF PAQAF combines Political, Organisational, and Functional approaches Political approach  provides legitimacy and common purpose Organisational architecture  supports cooperation and implementation Functional instruments  provide the tools for implementation The AUC and the AAU (lead agency of AU for HE) shall coordinate the process of establishing PAQAF in collaboration with key stakeholders 6

7. Issues for consideration Empower national QA agencies to conduct accreditation according to PAQAF standards Ensure that QA Agencies performing accordingly through continental regulation mechanism Respect independence of QA mechanisms at national and regional levels Facilitate political endorsement of PAQAF by AU Member States Demonstrate commitment of national QA agencies to AfriQAN as a network of QAA in Africa 7

8. Strategies for PAQAF Build on existing models of national and regional QA mechanisms in developing the continental QA and accreditation framework Ensure consultation between all key stakeholders Strengthen AUC role as a facilitator to provide the necessary high level political support Expedite ratification & implementation of revised Arusha (Addis convention) with organisational arrangements and follow-up processes Implement AU Higher education Harmonisation Instruments 8

9. Strategies for PAQAF Ensure independence of QA mechanisms at the national, regional, and continental levels Anchor prime responsibility for internal QA at institutional level At continental level, ensure external quality assurance of QA Agencies Base QA mechanisms on the complementary of quality enhancement and accreditation Accreditation based on minimum standards Promote quality enhancement as the vehicle for continuous improvement 9

10. Next steps Establishment of legal framework for supporting the PAQAF process and ensuring follow up Establish sustainable funding mechanism for the operationalization of PAQAF Present the Framework to STC  AU Ministers of Education, and Science & Technology to ensure political endorsement and ownership Launch the joint Africa-EU initiative to support the implementation of PAQAF in collaboration with AAU and implementers of the initiative THANK YOU 10