St. Mary’s University, since its establishment in 1998, has been working on research and knowledge transfer, one of the pillars of higher learning institutions. Among the five annual research events SMU runs on annual basis, the International Conference on Private Higher Education in Africa draws renowned scholars from across the world to debate on diverse higher education issues.  

Initiated by St. Mary’s University in 2003, the International Conference on Private Higher Education in Africa has been organized on an annual basis for the last two decades aiming at creating a platform for a wide range of actors, educators, policy/decision makers, higher education leaders, and partners engaged in higher education. 

St. Mary’s University (Ethiopia) extends to you warm greetings and cordially invites you to its 22nd   International Conference on Private Higher Education in Africa, which is being organized in collaboration with the Association of African Universities, International Network for Higher Education in Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Organization of Southern Cooperation  (OSC) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Education from May 23-24, 2024 on the theme “Re-thinking Research and Academic Assessment and Evaluation towards Quality Enhancement: New Trends and Developments.” The conference will bring together scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and development partners to discuss cross-cutting issues around the theme.

It is expected to generate policy-relevant recommendations from various scientific research papers, panel discussions, and reflections under different themes and sub-themes. It will also serve as a platform for networking among researchers, educators, and leaders in higher education institutions. 

The conference will be held at Inter Luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It will focus on two key sub-themes:

  • Regulatory Frameworks and Practices in Research and Academic Assessment and Evaluation towards Quality Enhancement in Africa
  • Innovation and Technology in Research and Academic Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education in Africa

These sub-themes reflect our commitment to exploring innovative approaches and emerging trends in research and academic assessment and evaluation in African higher education.

As in the past 21 years, the Conference is expected to be attended by more than 300 participants from Africa and the rest of the world. Eminent personalities in the field of higher education and high-level representatives of national, regional, and international institutions will deliver keynote speeches and will participate in round-table panel discussions to highlight opportunities, challenges, and the way forward in higher education at both public and private sectors.

     For further information, please call at +251 11 558 0616.

International Relations and Communication Office

St. Mary’s University (SMU)