African Quality Assurance Network AfriQAN

Overview

The African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN) is a pan-African organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of higher education across the continent. Established in 2007 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, AfriQAN serves as a collaborative platform for national quality assurance agencies, higher education institutions and stakeholders involved in quality assurance (QA) practices. The network aims to promote the development and harmonization of quality assurance systems, facilitating the mutual recognition of qualifications and fostering academic mobility within Africa.

Historical and Legal Framework

AfriQAN was founded following discussions at the 2nd UNESCO International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in September 2007. The network was formally registered as a legal entity in Ghana on April 2, 2010, operating under the laws of the country. Its establishment was supported by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Global Initiative for Quality Assurance Capacity (GIQAC) in partnership with UNESCO. AfriQAN's creation aligns with the African Union's efforts to standardize and improve higher education quality across member states.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

AfriQAN's mission is to enhance the quality of higher education in Africa by facilitating cooperation among quality assurance agencies and institutions. Its vision is to establish a unified and effective quality assurance system that supports the development of higher education across the continent. The network's objectives include:

• Promoting the development and harmonization of quality assurance systems.
• Facilitating the mutual recognition of qualifications.
• Enhancing academic mobility within Africa.
• Providing a platform for sharing best practices and experiences in quality assurance.
• Supporting capacity-building initiatives for quality assurance agencies and institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

AfriQAN operates as a non-profit organization governed by a constitution adopted by its founding members during the first general meeting in Accra, Ghana, from November 25 to 27, 2009. The network's structure includes:

• Executive Board: Responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of AfriQAN's activities.
• General Assembly: Comprises representatives from member institutions and agencies, providing a platform for dialogue and decision-making.
• Secretariat: Manages the day-to-day operations and implementation of AfriQAN's programs and initiatives.

AfriQAN maintains its independence by operating under the laws of Ghana and adhering to its constitution, ensuring autonomy in its operations and decision-making processes.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

AfriQAN plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education in Africa by:

• Developing and promoting the African Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ASG-QA), a framework guiding quality assurance practices across the continent.
• Supporting the establishment and strengthening of national quality assurance agencies.
• Facilitating peer reviews and evaluations of quality assurance agencies to ensure alignment with established standards.
• Organizing workshops, conferences and training programs to enhance the capacity of quality assurance professionals.

These activities contribute to the continuous improvement of higher education quality in Africa.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AfriQAN collaborates with various international organizations to enhance its impact and reach. Notably, it is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), a global association of organizations active in quality assurance in higher education. Through this membership, AfriQAN engages in global dialogues, shares best practices and aligns its activities with international standards and developments in quality assurance.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AfriQAN's initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on higher education in Africa by:

• Enhancing the credibility and recognition of African higher education institutions through standardized quality assurance practices.
• Promoting regional and continental integration by facilitating the mobility of students and academics.
• Supporting the development of a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of the African economy.
• Contributing to the achievement of the African Union's Agenda 2063 goals related to education and human development.

Through these efforts, AfriQAN aims to contribute to the transformation of higher education in Africa, making it more responsive to societal needs and global challenges.

Summary

The African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN) is a key player in the enhancement of higher education quality in Africa. Established in 2007 and operating under the laws of Ghana, AfriQAN serves as a collaborative platform for quality assurance agencies and institutions across the continent. Through its initiatives, AfriQAN promotes the development and harmonization of quality assurance systems, facilitates the mutual recognition of qualifications and fosters academic mobility. Its ongoing efforts are poised to significantly impact the quality and relevance of higher education in Africa, contributing to the continent's socio-economic development.

FAQs

• What is AfriQAN?
  AfriQAN is the African Quality Assurance Network, a pan-African organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of higher education across the continent.
• When was AfriQAN established?
  AfriQAN was founded in 2007 and was formally registered as a legal entity in Ghana on April 2, 2010.
• What is the mission of AfriQAN?
  AfriQAN's mission is to enhance the quality of higher education in Africa by facilitating cooperation among quality assurance agencies and institutions.
• How does AfriQAN support quality assurance?
  AfriQAN supports quality assurance by developing frameworks like the African Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ASG-QA), organizing capacity-building initiatives and promoting the mutual recognition of qualifications.
• Is AfriQAN a member of any international networks?
  Yes, AfriQAN is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), engaging in global dialogues and sharing best practices.

Organization Name

African Quality Assurance Network

Acronym

AfriQAN

Year of Establishment

1/01/2007

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box AN 5744
Accra North
Greater Accra Ghana

Phone

+233 (21)774 495

Fax

+233 (21)774 821

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

African Quality Assurance Network's YouTube channel

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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