Title: Linking Quality Assurance to Institutional Performance and Development

Organized by: African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN) and Association of African Universities (AAU)

Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025

Venue: Virtual (via Zoom) Registration Link: http://bit.ly/46r6q3Z

Background and Rationale

Higher education institutions across Africa are increasingly recognizing that robust Quality Assurance (QA) systems are not just regulatory tools, but strategic levers for institutional performance and long-term development. However, many institutions still struggle to move from process-based QA to performance-oriented systems that demonstrate measurable impact.

This virtual workshop will examine how QA frameworks can be effectively integrated with institutional performance indicators and development goals, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.

“Quality Assurance in Africa’s institutions is no longer just about meeting standards—it’s about transforming how we teach, research, and innovate to drive real societal impact. Today, we’re here to rethink QA as a strategic engine that powers institutional excellence, aligns with Africa’s bold development goals, and prepares graduates for the future. Let’s unlock how better data, smarter processes, and genuine stakeholder engagement can move us from compliance to performance-driven growth.”

Workshop Overall Objectives

The Strategic goal is to “Transform QA from a regulatory obligation into a strategic lever for institutional excellence, innovation, and development.”

The workshop aims to emphasize the strategic importance of Quality Assurance (QA) in driving institutional performance and sustainable development within African Higher Education Institutions. It will assist African HEIs in understanding how both internal and external QA mechanisms can be effectively aligned with institutional goals to inform evidence-based decision-making and enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Additionally, the workshop seeks to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, strengthen accountability and transparency, and guide institutions in identifying and applying context-relevant key performance indicators. By linking QA to innovation, institutional growth, and preparedness for the national and regional accreditation process, the workshop will promote peer learning and the exchange of good practices tailored to the African Higher Education context, ultimately contributing to improved quality and relevance across the continent’s institutions.

Workshop-specific objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

1. Understand the role of QA in enhancing institutional performance and strategic development.

2. Identify performance indicators that align with QA standards.

3. Learn practical tools for integrating QA into institutional planning and monitoring.

4. Engage in peer learning to share best practices and lessons across institutions.

5. Develop draft institutional action points for improving QA-performance alignment.

Target Participants

· Quality Assurance Officers and Directors

· University Senior Management (VCs, DVCs, Registrars)

· Academic Leaders (Deans, HODs)

· Institutional Planners and M&E Officers

· Higher Education Policy Makers

· Accreditation and Regulatory Agency Staff

 

Workshop Structure and Agenda

Session 1 (09:00 – 10:30 GMT)

Opening and Keynote Address Topic: Understanding the Strategic Role of QA in Institutional Development

· The shift from compliance to impact

· QA as a catalyst for excellence and sustainability

· QA’s influence on funding, partnerships, and rankings

Facilitator: Distinguished QA/HE Policy Expert Q&A (Live Chat and Verbal)

 

Break (10:30 – 10:45 GMT)

 

Session 2 (10:45 – 12:00 GMT)

Topic: QA and Performance Indicators: Aligning Tools and Metrics

· What should institutions be measuring?

· Mapping QA to Teaching, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness

· Sample institutional KPI dashboards and case examples

Interactive Activity: Breakout group discussion on institutional gaps

 

Lunch Break (12:00 – 13:00 GMT)

 

Session 3 (13:00 – 14:30 GMT)

Topic: Drafting Institutional Action Points: Moving from Insight to Implementation

· Crafting practical next steps for QA alignment

· Embedding QA responsibilities into departmental operations

· Reporting and communicating QA outcomes

Output: Participants fill a digital Institutional Action Plan (IAP) worksheet (shared Google Doc)

 

Closing Session (14:30 – 15:00 GMT)

· Summary of key insights

· Participant reflections and chat testimonials

· Announcement of follow-up activities (e.g., virtual QA clinic, community of practice)

· Vote of thanks

 

Expected Outcomes

· Shared understanding of QA’s role in institutional transformation

· Cross-institutional exposure to best practices and common challenges

· Draft QA-Performance Integration Action Plans

· Enhanced virtual collaboration among African QA stakeholders

 

Our conversation will make one thing clear: quality assurance is the linchpin for Africa’s higher education transformation. But it only works when it’s integrated, innovative, and inclusive—when institutions own it and communities benefit. As we leave this workshop, we should commit to turning QA into a catalyst for measurable impact, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the continent. The future of African education depends on it.