The Association of African Universities (AAU) announces its 16th Quadrennial General Conference under the theme: Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development of Africa.
This conference aims to address critical challenges in African higher education, promote innovative approaches, and foster collaboration among institutions across the continent.
The Conference will further serve as a stakeholders’ platform for engagement with the higher education community in Africa. Between 500 – 700 delegates are expected, comprising AAU member universities, higher education policymakers, development partners, researchers, students, and other education stakeholders.
University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Rabat, Morocco
July 21-25, 2025
Below you can find all the past conferences:
| Event | Venue | Year | Theme | Sub-Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15th General Conference | Hybrid / Accra, Ghana | July 5 - 8, 2021 | The Future of African Higher Education | a. The Future of African Higher Education Post-COVID-19 b. Contributions of African Higher Education Institutions to Addressing the Challenges linked to the COVID-19 pandemic c. Contributions of African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals d. Funding of African Higher Education Institutions in the face of unpredictable Economy e. Mainstreaming e-learning and the digital divide f. Contributions of the Diaspora to African Higher Education |
| 14th General Conference | Accra, Ghana | June 5 - 8, 2017 | AAU@50: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Development in Africa | a. Promoting science, technology and innovation through higher
education b. Curriculum reform as key to graduate employability and entrepreneurship c. The role of higher education in managing the environment d. Higher education as a tool for promoting democratic governance e. Mobilising resources for higher education in Africa. |
| 13th General Conference | Libreville, Gabon | May 28 - 31, 2013 | Transforming African Higher Education for Graduate Employability and Socio-Economic Development |
a. The Connect between Higher Education and the Productive
Sector b. Graduate Employability c. The Role of the Organised Private Sector d. Socio-political Environment and Employability e. Funding Issues |
| 12th General Conference | Abuja, Nigeria | May 4 - 9, 2009 | Sustainable Development in Africa: The Role of Higher Education |
a. Teaching and Learning b. Research and Development c. Engaging the Community d. Greening the Campus |
| 11th General Conference | Cape Town, South Africa | February 21 - 25, 2005 | Transnational Provision and the Future of Higher Education in Africa |
a. Autonomy of national education systems b. Access limitations and private sector involvement in higher education in Africa c. Assuring Quality in transnational higher education |
| 10th General Conference | ABIDJAN, Cote d\u2019Ivoire | February 5 - 9, 2001 | African Universities and the Challenge of Knowledge Creation and Application in the New Century |
a. African Higher Education Management and Leadership in the
Information Age b. Quality of Training and Research: Towards a Dynamic Process of Curricular Reform and Innovations in African Tertiary Institutions c. Information and Communications Technology: Building Capacity in African Universities d. Women in African Tertiary Institutions: Equity Empowerment and Advancement |
| 9th General Conference | Lusaka, Zambia | January 13 - 17, 1997 | The African University in a Rapidly Changing Global Environment: Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century |
a. Leadership and Management b. Instability and Social Crises c. Quality of Training and Research d. The Role of the University in the Education Sector |
Join us at the 16th Quadrennial General Conference of the Association of African
Universities,
where thought leaders in higher education will shape the future of innovation and
sustainability in Africa.
Secretary General, Association of African Universities
President, AAU Governing Board & Sudan International University
Minister for Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Kingdom of Morocco
Deputy Executive Secretary at IUCEA
Participants are advised to make advanced reservations for accommodation at the following hotels
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Phone: +212 5378-20800
Email: Lamarinarabatsale.Reservations@fairmont.com
Visit WebsiteShowcase your innovations at the 16th Quadrennial General Conference in Rabat, Morocco
Contact elaari@aau.org for more information.
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