Hosted by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) 📍 Venue: Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference CentreHarare, Zimbabwe📅 23 – 25 September 2026 CONFERENCE THEME FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH EFFECTIVE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS: BEST PRACTICES, CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SADC REGION In today’s rapidly evolving global […]
As we begin this new year, we reflect on our shared commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education across the SADC region. Our collective efforts in quality assurance are thefoundation upon which regional integration and human capital development are built. May this year bring new milestones to our respective members, partners and other key […]
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Hosted by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) 📍 Venue: Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference CentreHarare, Zimbabwe📅 23 – 25 September 2026 CONFERENCE THEME FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH EFFECTIVE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS: BEST PRACTICES, CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SADC REGION In today’s rapidly evolving global […]
As we begin this new year, we reflect on our shared commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education across the SADC region. Our collective efforts in quality assurance are thefoundation upon which regional integration and human capital development are built. May this year bring new milestones to our respective members, partners and other key […]
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Hosted by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)
📍 Venue: Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre Harare, Zimbabwe 📅 23 – 25 September 2026
CONFERENCE THEME
FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH EFFECTIVE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS: BEST PRACTICES, CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SADC REGION
In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the quality of higher education is central to national development, economic competitiveness, and social justice within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. As higher education institutions (HEIs) respond to technological transformation, stakeholder expectations, and changing labour market demands, effective internal and external quality assurance (QA) systems have become indispensable.
The 7th SAQAN Conference provides a regional platform to strengthen QA systems, promote excellence, and foster collaboration across the SADC region. The conference will showcase best practices, identify critical success factors, address shared challenges, and explore emerging opportunities to advance quality assurance in higher education.
1. Main Objectives of the Conference
The conference aims to:
Promote best practices and innovation in internal and external QA systems across SADC.
Identify and analyze critical success factors, enablers, and challenges in implementing sustainable QA frameworks.
Explore the role of digital transformation, emerging technologies, and data-driven approaches in enhancing QA effectiveness.
Strengthen stakeholder engagement, regional collaboration, and policy alignment to foster inclusive and harmonized QA systems.
2. Rationale
A regional conference on fostering excellence through effective QA systems is essential to:
• Address Common Challenges
HEIs in the SADC region face shared challenges including limited resources, staff resistance, data quality issues, bureaucratic processes, limited expertise, and alignment with international standards. This conference provides a platform to develop context-specific, collaborative solutions.
• Share Best Practices
Participants will exchange successful models in institutional self-assessment, program review, student feedback systems, accreditation, audits, curriculum development, and faculty development.
• Promote Harmonization and Standardization
The conference will contribute to aligning QA standards across SADC, enhancing qualification comparability, student and staff mobility, and regional integration.
• Build Capacity
Workshops and thematic sessions will enhance knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating QA systems.
• Foster Collaboration and Networking
The conference will bring together policymakers, QA agencies, HEI leaders, faculty, students, and industry representatives to strengthen partnerships.
• Respond to Global Trends
Discussions will address digital transformation, AI in QA, online and blended learning, competency-based education, and internationalization.
• Align with Regional Priorities
Improving higher education quality is central to SADC’s socio-economic development agenda.
Long papers undergo double peer review. Accepted papers may be considered for publication in the inaugural SAQAN Journal for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, to be launched at the conference.
2. Short Papers
Abstract: 100–150 words
Full Paper: 1700 words (excluding abstract, including references)
Be part of the movement shaping the future of higher education in the SADC region. Engage with thought leaders, share transformative ideas, and contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive quality assurance systems.
We look forward to welcoming you to Harare in September 2026.
As we begin this new year, we reflect on our shared commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education across the SADC region. Our collective efforts in quality assurance are the foundation upon which regional integration and human capital development are built. May this year bring new milestones to our respective members, partners and other key stakeholders. May we realize continued success of our regional network.
DR. MOEKETSI LETELE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
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