Policies

Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA)

Context and Issue

The trends of democratization, public policy reform, and increased participation of civil society organizations in African countries set the stage for the establishment of the Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA). Recognizing the critical role of higher education in driving social and economic development, the PHEA countered the prevailing focus on basic education by advocating for the development of intellectual capital through robust higher education systems. This initiative aimed to bolster higher education as a means to ensure Africa's sustainable development, addressing the continent's low tertiary education enrollment ratio of just 3%.

Solution

The Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA) implemented in 9 African countries namely: Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana; offered a comprehensive solution through strategic financial investments, focused support, and extensive collaboration. The initiative involved a total investment of $440 million over ten years, directly supporting 65 universities and 25 regional postgraduate training and research networks, benefiting 4.1 million students across 379 institutions in nine African countries. By prioritizing direct support to universities and responding to their specific demands, the PHEA ensured effective resource utilization. A consultative approach with African universities and stakeholders fostered alignment with local needs and priorities, enhancing sustainability. Technological advancements like the Bandwidth Consortium and the Educational Technology Initiative improved university connectivity and IT infrastructure. Capacity-building efforts targeted the development and retention of the next generation of African academics, addressing the faculty replenishment crisis. 

Impact

The Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA),implemented in 9 African countries had a significant and measurable impact on the African higher education landscape. Over its ten-year span, the PHEA invested $440 million, benefiting 65 universities and 25 regional postgraduate training and research networks, directly improving conditions for 4.1 million students across 379 institutions in nine countries. One of the notable achievements was the Bandwidth Consortium, which saved universities $19.7 million in its first three years, enabling them to purchase six times the bandwidth they previously had at no additional cost. The initiative improved gender equity, with the University of Dar es Salaam increasing female enrollment from 5% to 30%, and female engineering students rising from 7% to 16%. Additionally, universities developed the capacity to manage their IT networks, with 36 network engineers acquiring specialized skills through the Africa Network Operators’ Group. The PHEA also bolstered university infrastructure, with institutions like the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University building and equipping new research laboratories. Policy research and advocacy were strengthened, as exemplified by the Higher Education Research and Advocacy Network (HERANA), which engaged researchers in eight countries and influenced higher education policies. Furthermore, fundraising capacities at universities saw substantial improvements, as evidenced by the University of Port Harcourt raising $27 million through its new Advancement Center. Overall, the PHEA's initiatives led to enduring improvements in academic programs, institutional systems, and physical infrastructure, contributing to African higher education's sustained development and transformation.

Analysis

The Partnership for Higher Education in Africa (PHEA) represents a transformative model of collaborative philanthropy that significantly enhanced the capacity, infrastructure, and global competitiveness of African higher education institutions. Despite ongoing challenges in fully bridging the educational and digital divides, PHEA’s comprehensive approach and significant impact highlight its vital role in the sustainable development of higher education in Africa.