BSIA’s Africa Forum and CIGI are excited to host a dynamic conversation on higher education reform in Africa, bringing together experts in higher education policy, postcolonial studies, African development, and distance learning innovation. Drawing on practical insights from the Pan-African University Institute for Governance, Humanities, and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) and Distance Education for Africa (DeAfrica), the discussion will explore how technology, governance, and policy intersect to reshape African universities, showcasing practical EdTech solutions while spotlighting challenges such as limited infrastructure, lingering colonial structures, and the digital divide. By examining workforce education initiatives designed to close skills gaps and promote gender equity, this exchange will highlight pathways toward equitable, future-ready institutions in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA).
About the Panelists
Dr. Ngenge Ransom Tanyu will discuss his research on the Pan-African University Institute for Governance, Humanities, and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) and how this institution exemplifies both the achievements and ongoing challenges in higher education transformation within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). Drawing on interviews, policy papers, and course materials, he reveals how innovative curricula, scholarships, and diverse student populations have bolstered PAUGHSS’s prestige, while limited infrastructure and entrenched pedagogical practices continue to hinder progress. Dr. Tanyu is the founder of Africa Online & Publications Library (AOPL) and Ngenge-PostGrad Solutions (NPGS) and has authored several publications on higher education policy, postcolonial studies, and African development.
Mr. Sidiki Traore brings two decades of distance education expertise from his career starting at The World Bank to founding Distance Education for Africa (DeAfrica). Through initiatives such as the Africa Scholarship Cohort (ASC), in partnership with the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, he has awarded over 60,000 Coursera scholarships to learners across the continent, helping bridge the digital divide and promote gender equity. DeAfrica has published multiple books on program design and outcomes, along with regionally and internationally sourced business case studies contributed by participants. Mr. Traore’s work exemplifies how accessible, technology-driven education can foster sustainable development and workforce readiness in African communities.
Brandon Dickson’s doctoral research explores how sustainability decision-making in universities is shaped by multiple levels of governance, with a special focus on how institutions can effectively integrate sustainability principles. He has contributed to various academic, policy, and consulting initiatives – ranging from responsible investing in public-sector organizations to open educational resources – and published widely on education and sustainability topics. An experienced educator and community volunteer, Brandon brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the conversation.
