What should excellence in African higher education look like, and how should it be defined and measured by Africa, for Africa? 

This is the question at the heart of the inaugural All-Africa Higher Education XChange, taking place in Cape Town on 31 August and 1 September 2026. 

Hosted by the University of Cape Town in partnership with Applied Higher Education, the event marks the official launch of the All-Africa Rankings Initiative, a long-term continental endeavour to co-create an African-informed framework for recognising excellence in higher education. Rather than beginning with the launch of a rankings system, the initiative deliberately begins with a conversation. 

University leaders, academics, policymakers, industry leaders and higher education partners from across the continent will come together to explore the future of higher education in Africa. 

At the heart of the event will be a collaborative Co-creation Workshop, where participants will contribute to developing the principles, priorities and recommendations that will guide the next phase of the All-Africa Rankings Initiative. 

Find out more about the All-Africa Higher Education XChange, including the programme, registration and event logistics.