African higher education leaders gathered in Addis Ababa to discuss how universities can better prepare students for employment, support innovation and contribute to national development.
The QS Africa 2026 Higher Education Forum, hosted by United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in collaboration with QS, took place from 9 to 10 July 2026.
The forum brought together ministers, university leaders, academics, experts and representatives from higher education institutions, government, industry and civil society.
Its discussions focused on several priorities for African higher education, including graduate employability, future skills, talent retention, academic mobility and the growing role of artificial intelligence.
Higher Education Needs Stronger Collaboration
Prof. Kindeya Gebrehiwot, State Minister and Adviser at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing higher education and national development.
He noted that universities cannot operate in isolation. Instead, they need strong relationships with industry, government, communities and other academic institutions.
Such partnerships can help universities strengthen innovation, research and their wider social impact.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in young people. Quality education, practical skills and opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship can help young people contribute to future economic and social progress.
The forum also highlighted international collaboration as an important part of strengthening higher education.
Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, said,
“Academic and research partnerships remind us that the challenges facing the world, whether climate change, food security, digital transformation, or youth employment know no borders. We must therefore develop innovative solutions that anticipate the future by empowering young people with knowledge and education, enabling them to become successful future leaders.”
For African universities, international partnerships can support knowledge exchange while creating opportunities for students and researchers to engage with institutions beyond their home countries.
Skills And Employability Remain Key Priorities
The forum placed graduate employability at the centre of discussions about university outcomes.
Participants called for academic curricula to be updated so that they better reflect labour market needs.
They also recommended strengthening digital, leadership and research skills. Additionally, they called for more applied learning and internship opportunities.
These priorities are important for students preparing to enter increasingly competitive labour markets.
University education can provide subject expertise, but students also need opportunities to apply their knowledge. Internships, practical projects and industry engagement can help bridge the gap between academic study and employment.
Participants therefore recommended considering graduate employability as a key indicator of university quality and its contribution to national development.
For education leaders, this approach places greater emphasis on the outcomes students achieve after graduation.
AI Brings Opportunities And Responsibilities
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in discussions about the future of African higher education.
Participants identified AI as a strategic priority for education, research and university governance. At the same time, they stressed the need for ethical principles to guide the responsible use of emerging technologies.
For universities, this means considering not only how AI can support teaching and research but also how institutions should manage its use responsibly.
The forum also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between universities to retain talent.
Academic mobility programmes were identified as another area for development. These opportunities can support knowledge exchange and help students and researchers gain experience across different academic environments.
Participants encouraged universities to build global partnerships while ensuring that collaboration remains aligned with the priorities of the African continent.
Universities Can Support Sustainable Development
The forum concluded with a call for universities to place research and community service at the heart of their wider mission.
Participants highlighted food security, healthcare, water resource management and climate change adaptation as areas where universities can make a practical contribution.
The empowerment of women and young people was also identified as an important priority.
These areas demonstrate the wider role universities can play in their communities. Research can support solutions to local challenges, while community engagement can help ensure that academic work has a practical impact.
Ultimately, participants agreed that universities that collaborate effectively, encourage innovation and build strong international partnerships are better positioned to create sustainable impact beyond their campuses.
For African higher education, the forum highlighted a clear direction. Stronger partnerships, relevant skills, responsible technology and practical research can help universities prepare students while contributing to wider national development.
