THE Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023

The inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa Universities Forum brought together representatives from universities across the region and globe to address critical challenges and chart a path towards transformational teaching and research. The agenda themes covered various aspects, including enhancing employability rates, promoting access and equity in higher education, fostering continental collectivism as a shared objective, and improving citizenship through the public missions of African universities. These themes aimed to create sustainable opportunities for current students and graduates, as well as improve societal impact and development across the continent. 

A notable highlight of the forum was the official launch of the THE Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023. Developed by THE’s data team in collaboration with a consortium of African and international higher education organizations, the rankings’ methodology embraced a rigorous, comprehensive, and inclusive evaluation process. THE handled data collection and calculations to provide an objective ranking system for universities in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Student voice was a critical component of eligibility for ranking. Of the 121 participating universities, eighty-eight (88) met the minimum threshold of student survey responses to be ranked. Participating institutions represented 20 countries in the region. 

Hosted at Ashesi University in Berekuso, Ghana, over 150 higher education leaders and key stakeholders came together to join in the discussion. Over the packed day-long event, about two dozen speakers engaged the group, including Ashesi Founder and President Patrick Awuah; Nigerian Universities Ranking Advisory Committee Chairman Peter Okebukola; and Mastercard Foundation CEO Reeta Roy.  UDI Managing Director and Vice Chair Minu Ipe spoke on a panel interrogating challenges and opportunities in sustaining new higher education models.

The forum aimed to drive positive changes in the higher education landscape, foster collaboration, and promote excellence among universities for the benefit of the entire region. The Mastercard Foundation was a central partner in the project.

Learn more about the THE Sub-Saharan Africa Universities Forum 2023 here.