New AEIP webinar series explores recognition and mobility in higher education

The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform (AEIP), in partnership with the Association of African Universities (AAU), is launching a new webinar series exploring how stronger qualification recognition systems can support academic mobility, research collaboration and higher education integration across Africa and Europe. The series, titled “Dialogue on Higher Education Qualifications: Streamlining Qualifications for Trust, Mobility and Mutual Recognition”, will provide a platform for stakeholders across the higher education sector to exchange knowledge and identify pathways towards stronger recognition systems.

As higher education becomes increasingly international, the need for transparent and trusted qualification systems has never been greater. Students, researchers, universities and employers all depend on reliable mechanisms that enable qualifications to be recognised and used across borders. Strong qualification recognition systems also help students and researchers move more easily across borders, supporting academic mobility and international cooperation.

Significant progress has already been made towards harmonising higher education systems and strengthening the recognition of qualifications. Continental and regional initiatives have helped lay the foundations for a more integrated and trusted higher education space, including:

• African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa,
• African Continental Qualifications Framework,
• the Addis Convention,
• Pan-African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Framework,
• Harmonisation of African Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation Initiative

However, challenges remain. Differences in qualification frameworks, accreditation procedures and quality assurance systems can create uncertainty and slow down recognition processes. These challenges can hinder academic cooperation and reduce opportunities for research collaboration.

The webinar series will run from July to October 2026 and will provide a forum for dialogue on the future of qualification recognition, bringing together experts and decision-makers working across higher education, research, skills development and policy. Through a combination of presentations, discussion and peer learning, participants will explore how recognition systems can better support academic cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation.

The webinar series will consist of four thematic session. Each webinar focuses on a different dimension of qualifications recognition and higher education cooperation.

Building a more connected future

Trust is a fundamental requirement for advancing academic mobility and research collaboration. Through this webinar series, the AEIP and the AAU aim to contribute to a more connected higher education ecosystem. By building on lessons from regional and international initiatives, the series will contribute to the development of a harmonised higher education space that promotes mutual recognition, sustainable development and stronger cooperation across Africa and Europe.