The view from the Higher Education Forum in Accra

| 14 October 2026 |

ICACBR Scientific Director Heather Aldersey recently attended the Mastercard Foundation Higher Education Convening in Accra, Ghana. Here, she reflects on that event.

On September 22 and 23, I had an opportunity to join the Queen's Provost, Matthew Evans, the University of Gondar President, Yechale Kebede, my Co-Director counterpart Molalign Adugna, and approximately 200 other leaders in the higher education ecosystem in Accra, Ghana for the Mastercard Foundation Higher Education Convening and Scholars Program Presidents forum to discuss and align on how to transform higher education institutions to empower young people through quality education to be drivers of socio-economic development. Over the two days, we participated in activities to build consensus on what a relevant, high-quality, and sustainable higher education system should deliver for young people, economies, and communities. Discussions examined the strategic shifts needed to connect learning to livelihoods, including stronger pathways from education to dignified and fulfilling work, entrepreneurship, and transformative leadership. The Mastercard Foundation also led participants in discussions to identify priorities and partnerships to move from promising proof points to broader systems change.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prizes, which recognized institutions driving sustained, systemic, institution-wide transformation and expanding opportunities for young people. It was a wonderful, motivating, and uplifting event - with each session guided and driven by the contributions and perspectives of African youth. I'm looking forward to continuing similar conversations with African higher education institution leaders as we move forward in our plans to build a network of excellence in disability inclusion in the months to come!

School of Rehabilitation Therapy