Launching a new era
for African Higher Education
A landmark gathering to launch the AppliedHE ALL-AFRICA Public & Private University Rankings and define what comes next.
Event date
31 Aug - 1 Sep 2026
Event time
09:00 AM (SAST)
Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Countdown to event
Co-hosted by
University of Cape Town
Join us in South Africa in
A landmark two-day continental gathering bringing together university leaders, policymakers, industry partners, internationalisation and alumni engagement professionals from across Africa and beyond — to launch the inaugural ALL AFRICA Public & Private University Rankings and collectively shape the future of African higher education.
Key moments
to watch.
From three Grand Panel Discussions to the inaugural rankings reveal, the methodology briefing, and the Declaration Workshop, here are the moments shaping the ALL-AFRICA programme.
Grand Panel Discussions
The Future of Universities in Africa: Relevance, Readiness and Responsibility
A timely conversation on how African universities can stay relevant, prepare graduates for a changing world, and fulfil their wider responsibility to society, industry, and the continent's future.
AI and the African University: Threat, Tool or Transformation?
A thought-provoking discussion on whether AI will disrupt, support, or fundamentally reshape how African universities teach, learn, lead, and innovate.
Beyond the Degree: Are African Universities Preparing Graduates for What Comes Next?
A practical discussion on whether African universities are equipping graduates not just with qualifications, but with the skills, adaptability, and readiness needed for what lies ahead.
Methodology Briefing & Open Q&A
AppliedHE Public & Private University Rankings: ALL AFRICA 2027
An overview of the ALL-AFRICA ranking framework, followed by an open Q&A on the methodology, structure, and thinking behind the inaugural edition.
Dr Pieter Stek · Special Adviser, AppliedHE
ALL AFRICA Declaration Workshop
A Ranking Shaped by the People's Voices
A participatory session inviting universities and stakeholders across Africa to help shape the future direction of the rankings through shared perspectives, feedback, and collective insight.
Facilitators
Prof Abhi Veerakumarasivam · Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Mr Marcel Bandur · Director, Internationalisation, Global Engagement & Mobility
Sunway University, Malaysia
Introduction
AppliedHE Products & Services
An introduction to the suite of AppliedHE Products & Services — empowering institutions to reach the next level of performance and impact.
Mandy Mok · CEO, AppliedHE
Special Session
A performance management perspective on university rankings
A timely discussion on the human skills that matter most in an age of AI, automation and digital change — and how universities can protect and strengthen them.
Richard M. Walker · Lee Shau Kee Foundation Chair Professor of Public Administration, Government & International Affairs, Lingnan University, Hong Kong
Country Spotlight
Where We Are and Where We Are Going
A candid look at how institutions across regions are navigating the evolving landscape of higher education — the wins, the challenges, and the path forward.
AppliedHE “Squaring the Circle” Debate
A provocative, high-energy debate on the defining issues of global higher education.
University leaders and experts challenge conventional wisdom and engage the audience head-on.
The Motion
“Employability should matter more than research in university rankings.”
Reframing the future of African higher education.
AppliedHE ALL AFRICA 2026 is a flagship two-day conference bringing together university leaders, policymakers, industry partners, internationalisation professionals, alumni engagement specialists, and higher education stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
Co-hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT), this landmark event marks the launch of the inaugural ALL AFRICA Public & Private University Rankings.
For international universities, agencies, and partners, this is also a rare opportunity to connect with institutions from across Africa in one place, rather than country by country.
Co-host Institution
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Bringing the full continent one framework.
For the inaugural pilot edition, AppliedHE will present a baseline framework featuring two universities per country per category, Public and Private, representing 216 institutions across all 54 internationally recognised African countries.
The inaugural edition follows AppliedHE's signature methodology of assessing public and private universities separately, recognising their different missions, structures, and operating realities while bringing the full continent into view.
54 countries in scope
A continental baseline designed to better reflect institutional missions, contexts, and contribution.
Public/Private lens
Separate public and private assessments reflect different structures and operating realities.
Why this event
matters deeply.
We are not merely recognizing excellence. We are redefining how it is understood in an African context.
Four Core Questions
How can universities better bridge the gap between academia and industry?
How can curricula be aligned more closely with evolving labour market needs?
How can rankings and ratings drive real improvement, not just recognition?
How can universities strengthen graduate readiness, global engagement, and alumni value?
The Future University
Engaging a central question: What should the future university in Africa look like? A blueprint across four strategic pillars.
Social Good
Advancing social transformation and the public good.
Technological
Responding to rapid technological change and AI.
Innovation
Fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
Systems
Strengthening global knowledge frameworks.
What makes this launch
different?
At the heart of this process is a profound
commitment to listening.
The Baseline
The inaugural rankings launch as a baseline reference framework, developed independently by AppliedHE and based on its established methodology.
The Starting Point
This first edition provides a continent-wide starting point - a benchmark that opens the door for dialogue, review, and refinement.
The Conversation
The inaugural launch establishes the reference point. What follows is the conversation that helps shape what comes next.
The Declaration
Workshop.
From a baseline framework to a community-shaped ranking.
This event is designed as a structured consultation. We are bringing together diverse perspectives from university leadership, policy-makers, and industry stakeholders across the entire continent.
Participants will be invited to share what works well in the inaugural framework, what may need refinement, and what future editions of the rankings should look like. This is where the conversation moves from presentation to participation.
What Participants
Will Shape
Structured input for future editions
During the workshop, participants will be invited to contribute views on:
-
What works well in the inaugural framework.
-
What may need refinement.
-
What future editions of the rankings should look like.
From Year 2 onwards, the ALL AFRICA Rankings are envisioned to evolve with structured stakeholder input.
Who should
attend.
Participation is intentionally curated to ensure a diverse, representative, and high-impact convening across the ecosystem.
Why be part of this
continental milestone?
Engage a Pan-African Audience in One Setting
Connect, network, and build strategic partnerships with institutions from across the continent without country-by-country outreach.
Witness the Launch
Be present for the inaugural release of the ALL AFRICA 2026 Public & Private University Rankings.
Gain Insights
Understand the emerging continental benchmark and how it reflects unique African realities.
Practical Strategies
Explore actionable strategies for alumni engagement, advancement, and internationalisation.
Shape the Future
Contribute to the consultation process and help refine how future editions of the rankings evolve.
Driven by
AppliedHE.
AppliedHE is a Singapore-based education technology company that has been compiling university rankings since 2021.
We are known for our signature methodology of separating Public and Private universities, ensuring that institutions are assessed in ways that reflect their different roles, structures, and measures of excellence.
This distinctive approach allows AppliedHE to deliver independent, transparent, and more meaningful benchmarks for students, universities, and policy-makers globally.
Meaningful Benchmarks
Delivering independent, transparent data.
Singapore-Based
Compiling global rankings since 2021.
Signature Methodology
Separating Public and Private assessments.
Institutional Context
Reflecting different missions and structures.
Sponsorship packages.
Elevate your institution's brand and connect with university leaders, policymakers, and partners from across the continent.
Platinum Sponsor
- Double table
- Premium pull-up banner (Self-Produced, high-traffic zone)
- Hero leaderboard banner (970 × 250)
- Logo prominence on all channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
- 5-minute speaking slot at Gala Dinner
- Elevator Pitch slot
- GDPR-compliant attendee list
- App.LE Club membership (1 year)
Gold Sponsor
- Double table
- Premium pull-up banner (Self-Produced, high-traffic zone)
- Leaderboard banner (728 × 90)
- Logo prominence on all channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
- Elevator Pitch slot
- GDPR-compliant attendee list
Silver Sponsor
- Standard table
- Sidebar banner (300 × 250)
- Logo prominence on all channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
Bronze Sponsor
- Standard table
- Logo prominence on selected channels
- Digital certificate & e-badge
- Institution brochure insert in conference bag
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities
Elevator Pitch
- 2-minute speaking slot to all delegates
- Ideal for announcements (programs, partnerships)
- Logo on holding slide and event program
Visibility Plus Package
- Logo on main event backdrop and official channels
- Brochure insert in all conference bags
- Banner placement on AppliedHE Xtra! Xtra! platform
Conference Lanyard
- Logo on lanyards (1-color print)
- Logo prominence on all event channels
- Advertisement in program book (printed and digital)
- Brochure insert in conference bag
Conference Bag Sponsorship
- Logo on conference bags
- Bags distributed to all attendees
- Logo prominence on all event channels
- Advertisement in program book (printed and digital)
- Brochure insert in conference bag
Looking for a bespoke partnership or have questions about a package? Our team is happy to tailor an opportunity to your goals.
Become a Sponsor
Register now for
AppliedHE ALL AFRICA 2026.
Register for AppliedHE ALL AFRICA 2026 and join university leaders, policymakers, and partners at the University of Cape Town for the inaugural rankings launch and the conversations that will shape what comes next.