Botswana and Namibia strengthen quality assurance to prepare higher education for the digital age

To address these pressing realities head-on, quality assurance professionals from 19 higher education institutions across Botswana and Namibia gathered at the UNESCO Workshop on Strengthening Quality Assurance in Higher Education in the SADC Region (Botswana and Namibia Chapters) in Windhoek, Namibia, on 29-30 July 2026. Organized by the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) in collaboration with the UNESCO Windhoek Office, the workshop provided a platform for participants to reflect on and exchange experiences in assessment methodologies, curriculum development, digital transformation, and quality enhancement strategies. Beyond technical alignment, the gathering reinforced UNESCO ROSA's region-wide vision: creating a culture of quality and continuous improvement, fostering mutual trust while concretizing regional collaboration to build more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready higher education systems.

The workshop also addressed key issues such as accreditation mechanisms, harmonization, and recognition of qualifications within the frameworks of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education and the Revised Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and Other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in African States (Addis Convention) . [QK1] Dr. Peter J. Wells, Head of Education at the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to support members states ratify and implement both Conventions in his presentation on how the conventions strengthen the triple helix of recognition, cooperation, and quality.

The Botswana and Namibia workshop forms part of the broader UNESCO workshop series on Strengthening Quality Assurance in Higher Education across the SADC Region. Since its inception in October 2024, three key lessons have emerged: quality assurance is strengthened through collaboration, sustained through capacity strengthening, and remains effective through continuous adaptation and innovation. So far, the initiative has reached nearly 190 quality assurance professionals and higher education staff from 90 accredited institutions across six countries: Zimbabwe (October 2024), Zambia (May 2025), Eswatini and Lesotho (October 2025), and now Botswana and Namibia (July 2026). Building on recommendations from previous workshops, the initiative has created a growing regional community of practice that promotes peer learning, trust, and cross-border cooperation.