Michael_Wangai_Paper_Feb_25_2025

1. ADVANCING HIGHER EDUCATION INTEGRATION THROUGH THE AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AFCFTA): REFLECTIONS FROM THE EAST AFRICA COMMUNITY (EAC) Dr. Michael Mwareri Wangai, Snr Quality Assurance Officer. University of Nairobi, Kenya, mwareri.wangai@uonbi.ac.ke, Abstract The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an innovative initiative aimed at fostering economic integration across the African continent. It remains one of the most ambitious Integration projects in Africa. While much focus has been placed on its economic implications, this paper explores the broader potential of AfCFTA to enhance the integration of higher education systems in Africa. By analyzing current literature, policy frameworks, and regional initiatives, this paper highlights the opportunities presented by AfCFTA to improve student and academic mobility, facilitate cross- border academic collaborations, and standardize educational frameworks across African nations. It also identifies key challenges to the realization of these opportunities, including infrastructural disparities, regulatory fragmentation, and insufficient political commitment. Drawing from the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and other regional initiatives, the paper proposes strategic policy recommendations to harness AfCFTA for the advancement of higher education, contributing to the continent's sustainable development and global competitiveness (African Union, 2016; African Development Bank, 2020). The African Union, in collaboration with partners, has emphasized the importance of higher education in regional integration. A key part of this effort is the Pan African Quality Assurance Framework, which includes the Harmonization, Quality Assurance, and Accreditation in Africa (HAQAA) initiative. Since HAQAA's launch in 2015 (HAQAA 1), followed by HAQAA 2 in 2020, and HAQAA 3 in 2023, the initiative has made significant progress in enhancing regional cooperation and improving the quality of higher education throughout Africa. These ongoing efforts have been instrumental in advancing educational standards and harmonizing accreditation processes, thus accelerating the integration of African nations (African Union, 2023). The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides an opportunity to enhance promotion of regional integration not only in trade but also in higher education. Keywords: AfCFTA, Higher Education Integration, East African Community (EAC), Regional Integration, Academic Mobility, Infrastructure Development, Pan African Quality Assurance Framework, Agenda 2063 Page 1 of 23

2. 1.0 INTRODUCTION The integration of higher education is a critical driver for Africa’s sustainable economic growth and development, especially in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While AfCFTA aims to boost trade and economic cooperation, its potential to transform higher education systems across Africa remains untapped. Higher education in Africa is fragmented, with significant barriers to mobility, inconsistent recognition of qualifications, and a lack of regional collaboration (Torrent, 2022). The potential of AfCFTA to facilitate cross-border academic mobility, foster research collaborations, and standardize educational qualifications presents an opportunity to create a unified and competitive knowledge economy. This paper aims to examine how AfCFTA can be leveraged to promote higher education integration and proposes strategies to address the challenges that hinder its success (UNESCO, 2023; World Bank, 2020). The African Union, in collaboration with the European Union and various other partners, has launched several initiatives to support the integration of higher education across Africa. One such initiative is the Harmonisation of African Higher Education, Quality Assurance, and Accreditation (HAQAA) initiative, which aims to establish a unified quality assurance and accreditation framework at both institutional and continental levels. Funded by the European Union under the Africa-EU Strategic Partnership, HAQAA is designed to enhance the integration of higher education in Africa. The initiative began with Phase I (HAQAA1) from 2016 to 2018, which laid the groundwork for subsequent phases. Phase II (HAQAA2), running from 2019 to 2022, built on initial successes and made further strides in advancing the integration of African higher education. HAQAA is now in its third phase (2022-2027), focusing on cultivating skilled professionals to drive sustainable development, trade, investment, and the promotion of democratic values across the continent. One of the clear output is the creation of a critical mass of higher education champions (HAQAA Ambassadors) who have continued to create awareness in their institutions and Regional Networks on the need for Integration in Africa. HAQAA3 initiative is being implemented by a consortium led by OBREAL Global and includes the University of Barcelona, the Association of African Universities, the Page 2 of 23

3. European University Association, the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, and the German Academic Exchange Service. (https://haqaa3.obreal.org/) 2.0 OBJECTIVES The main objectives of this paper are: i. To analyze the potential of AfCFTA to enhance the integration of higher education across African countries. ii. To assess the opportunities for improving academic mobility, collaborative research, and the standardization of educational systems. iii. To identify the barriers to effective integration of higher education and propose actionable solutions. iv. To provide policy recommendations that align higher education goals with AfCFTA’s objectives, supporting the broader vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. 3.0 METHODOLOGY This study employed a comprehensive desktop research methodology, drawing insights from a variety of reputable sources. These included conference presentations, specialized reports from relevant websites, and expert consultations. The resource persons involved were recognized specialists in the fields of regional and continental integration, particularly within the contexts of Economics and higher education. This multi-source approach allowed for a holistic understanding of the subject matter, ensuring the integration of both empirical data and expert perspectives to inform the research process. 4.0 THEORETICAL FRAMWORK This study will be anchored on Neo-Functionalism theory of Regional Integration in Higher Education. The originator of this theory was Ernst B. Haas in 1950s which suggests that integration begins in specialized, technical areas where cooperation is driven by the need for practical solutions, which then leads to broader political integration. In the context of higher education, neo-functionalism posits that educational cooperation within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can begin through initiatives like student exchange programs, research collaborations, and Page 3 of 23

4. mutual recognition of qualifications. These efforts, initially driven by academic and professional necessity, can evolve into deeper integration, fostering a common African higher education space (Schmitter, 2005). The AfCFTA could facilitate the cross- border movement of students and academics, enhancing regional cooperation in educational standards and policy frameworks. Another theory used in this study is that of Intergovernmentalism propounded by Stanley Hoffmann's 1966, which emphasizes the role of national governments in regional integration, where states retain control over decision-making, and integration proceeds at the pace determined by national interests. Applying this theory to the AfCFTA, the role of African Union member states in shaping higher education policies is crucial. Governments are likely to prioritize national interests over broader regional integration, particularly concerning policies around student mobility, accreditation, and the recognition of qualifications. Intergovernmentalism suggests that higher education integration through AfCFTA will be influenced by governments' willingness to align national education systems with regional standards, which may occur incrementally as national interests converge on the benefits of regional cooperation (Haas, 1958). 5.0 RECENT SELECTED HIGH LEVEL AFRICAN REGIONAL INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES The paper will examine several regional developments, some directly driven by the establishment of the AfCFTA, while others aim to advance the integration of higher education across Africa. What is lacking is an initiative that combines both, AfCTA and Higher Education. Several recent regional developments have influenced higher education in East Africa and Africa at large, making AfCFTA’s integration more timely and relevant. Notably, the election of the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson in February 2025 and the creation of the African Financial Stability Mechanism (AFSM) are reshaping Africa’s approach to economic and educational integration. 5.1 57th Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Held in March 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this conference targeted the speedy and widespread implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. Integration of markets, development of infrastructure, and industrialization were under discussion in an effort Page 4 of 23

5. to consolidate intra-African trade and contribute to the structural transformation of the continent. 5.2 MoU AfCFTA Secretariat and ECA A Memorandum of Understanding between the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was signed in February 2025 to enhance the implementation of trade on the continent. The collaboration is intended to formulate trade integration, industrialization, and private sector development, among others, through the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers and the establishment of regional value chains. 5.3AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol In February 2025, Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol's ambition to increase intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030. As a country with over 109 million internet users, Nigeria aims to be at the vanguard of Africa's digital commerce revolution, riding the wave of growth in digital services and innovation. 5.4 Election of the African Union Commission Chairperson The election of the African Union Commission Chairperson has been a critical step in reinforcing the commitment to regional integration across the continent. The AU’s leadership plays an essential role in ensuring that the goals of AfCFTA are harmonized with the educational aspirations of member states, including the prioritization of education as a key driver of Africa’s sustainable development. 5.5 The African Financial Stability Mechanism (AFSM) The creation of AFSM presents an important development in terms of financial stability across Africa. By ensuring economic stability, AFSM provides the necessary foundation for investments in infrastructure, including in the education sector. A stable financial environment is essential for funding higher education institutions, facilitating student exchange programs, and enhancing digital education initiatives. 5.6East Africa Community Heads of State Summit November, 2024 Page 5 of 23

6. At the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State, held in November 2024, regional leaders gathered to reflect on the past 25 years of integration and chart the path forward for a politically and economically unified East Africa. The Summit, coinciding with the EAC’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, focused on enhancing the region’s economic resilience, fostering peace and security, and promoting intra-regional trade and development. Key discussions highlighted the importance of operationalizing the EAC Vision 2050 and advancing innovation and digital transformation to drive sustainable development. One of the significant outcomes of the Summit was the agreement by EAC Heads of State to expedite the establishment of a Political Federation, an initiative originally envisioned by the EAC's founding leaders in 1963. This move aimed to deepen regional integration and reinforce the EAC’s role in the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, emphasizing the importance of full operationalization of the Customs Union and Common Market protocols to enhance intra-regional trade. Notably, intra-regional trade within the EAC stood at 25-28%, the highest in Africa, underscoring the region's potential to play a crucial role in the AfCFTA's success (EAC, 2024). Leaders also stressed the significance of peace and security in driving both local and foreign investments, with Kenya’s President emphasizing collective responsibility for maintaining stability in the region. Furthermore, the importance of youth employment and sustainable energy initiatives were discussed, with Tanzania’s President sharing the country’s commitment to combating climate change and investing in clean energy. The summit highlighted how the region’s strategic political and economic collaboration could contribute to achieving the broader goals of the AfCFTA, including advancing higher education integration and improving human capital development across the continent. Overall, the Summit reinforced the EAC's vision for a politically federated and economically integrated region, committed to enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and cohesion, which are essential for advancing both regional integration and the objectives of the AfCFTA (EAC, 2024). Page 6 of 23

7. 5.7 Inaugural export of value-added tea to Ghana under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) October 5, 2022 One of the practical implementation of AfCTA that took place in Kenya was on October 5, 2022, when the Kenyan President launched the inaugural export of value-added tea to Ghana, marking a significant milestone under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This event was Kenya’s first export to Ghana under the AfCFTA framework, following both nations' leadership in ratifying the trade agreement. Kenya, alongside seven other African countries—Egypt, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Cameroon, and Mauritius—was selected for the pilot phase of the AfCFTA, which encouraged cross-border trade through the identification of marketable products. Kenya identified several key export products, including tea, batteries, confectionery, and fresh produce, as part of its broader economic strategy. The President underscored the country's commitment to value addition and economic diversification, urging the private sector to capitalize on opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to drive growth. During the launch, the AfCFTA Secretary-General highlighted the strategic partnership between Kenya and Ghana, noting it as a crucial milestone in advancing industrialization and fostering economic integration across the continent. While Kenya is renowned globally for its high-quality coffee and tea, Ghana has earned worldwide acclaim for its exceptional cocoa production. 5.8 43rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held on July 13, 2023 , Nairobi, Kenya During the 43rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, held on July 13, 2023, in Kenya, the urgent need for accelerating African integration and overcoming historical divisions within the continent was emphasized. The ongoing challenges of poverty, climate change, and political instability continue to affect millions of Africans, despite the continent's abundant natural resources. This section explores key points related to continental integration, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and climate action, connecting them to broader academic discussions on development, regional cooperation, and sustainability. i.Accelerating African Continental Integration Page 7 of 23

8. One of the central themes in the drive for African integration is the role of the AfCFTA, launched in 2021, which serves as a crucial mechanism for removing trade barriers, increasing intra-Africa trade, and fostering economic growth. As emphasized in regional economic cooperation literature, AfCFTA is seen as a driver for sustainable development by promoting economic cooperation and integration. This idea aligns with the objectives of the HAQAA3 initiative, which seeks to equip African countries with the skilled workforce, managers, and administrators necessary to drive development, enhance trade, and promote democratic values (https://haqaa3.obreal.org/). The free movement of people, goods, and services is a cornerstone of AfCFTA, with the potential to unlock Africa's socio-economic potential by fostering collective prosperity. Despite the continent's vast mineral, energy, and agricultural resources, these remain underutilized due to fragmented markets and inefficient trade systems. Scholarly work supports the view that regional integration can lead to increased economic diversification and industrialization, which are essential for reducing dependency on foreign aid and promoting long-term self-sufficiency (Baldwin & Evenett, 2022). The historical legacy of colonial borders, which have long separated African nations, continues to hinder cooperation and mutual support. These artificial divisions are still evident today in the visa restrictions that prevent Africans from traveling freely within their own continent. Such barriers to regional mobility are widely recognized as significant obstacles to achieving true regional integration (Cohen & Noll, 2021). By fostering cross-border movement and trade, African nations can build stronger economic ties, contributing to enhanced regional stability and growth. ii. The Challenge of Climate Change Climate change remains a critical challenge for Africa, particularly due to its disproportionate impact on agriculture-dependent economies. Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods have worsened food insecurity and deepened poverty across the continent. Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, a fact that is highlighted in global environmental studies as a significant barrier to sustainable development (Moyo, 2022). The slow pace of global climate negotiations has led to frustration, particularly as African nations are among the most affected by climate change but possess limited capacity to adapt. The need for a unified African voice at international climate forums has become increasingly urgent, with many African Page 8 of 23

9. nations calling for fairer treatment in climate finance and debt restructuring (Obeng, 2023). At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (November 2024), African leaders underscored the pressing need for increased climate finance to address adaptation and foster green growth. Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, Africa faces severe climate impacts while receiving only 3-4% of global climate finance. Speakers highlighted the need to scale up funding from millions to trillions of dollars, calling for immediate action on the Loss and Damage Fund and the provision of grants instead of loans (COP29, 2024). Scholars argue that African countries must transition from being mere recipients of aid to active participants in global climate governance, advocating for climate justice and equitable resource distribution. The African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and integrated Africa, includes a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through cooperation and innovation (African Union, 2015). iii. Peace, Security, and Regional Stability In addition to economic integration and climate action, peace and security remain vital to Africa's development. Political stability is a prerequisite for sustained economic growth, as instability often disrupts development efforts. Several countries in Africa, including Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, continue to face ongoing conflicts that hinder development. Regional peace initiatives, such as Kenya’s leadership in the "Nairobi Process" aimed at addressing peace and security challenges, highlight the essential role that diplomatic and military interventions can play in restoring peace. Peace is a necessary precondition for economic growth, sustainable development, and the integration of higher education. The African Union’s "Silencing the Guns" initiative, launched with the goal of ending all armed conflicts by 2020, underscores the critical connection between security and development. However, as of 2024, this vision remains unfulfilled, with ongoing conflicts still present in many parts of the continent (Mutua, 2023). Page 9 of 23

10. 5.9 Kenya’s participation in the 57th Anniversary Celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in August 2024 Kenya’s participation in the 57th Anniversary Celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in August 2024 marked a significant moment in its diplomatic relations and regional integration efforts. The event, held at the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, was attended by various dignitaries. Kenya's Principal Secretary of the State Department for Foreign Affairs emphasized Kenya’s belief in the value of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), such as the East African Community (EAC), in enhancing multilateralism, peace, and security, aligning with broader global development goals. His remarks also highlighted the importance of global reforms, especially in the financial sector, to address issues like climate change and digital inclusion. Additionally, he invited ASEAN entrepreneurs to invest in Kenya, underscoring opportunities within the EAC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). ASEAN’s Ambassador to Kenya, highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ASEAN-Kenya ties, particularly through initiatives like the ASEAN Festival which was held in November 2024. The event underscored the growing diplomatic and cultural relations between the two regions, providing a valuable model for African nations aiming to enhance international partnerships (Barine, 2024) 5.10 Germany’s Support for EAC Regional Integration and Development On December 2, 2024, Germany reaffirmed its commitment to the East African Community (EAC) by pledging EUR 64 million to support regional integration and development over the next three years. This commitment follows productive intergovernmental negotiations between the EAC and Germany, culminating in a signing ceremony held during the German-African Business Forum in Nairobi. The funding is earmarked for various initiatives, including EUR 36 million for sustainable economic development, digital skills training, AI research, and infrastructure development; EUR 23 million for pandemic preparedness and disease prevention; and EUR 5 million for environmental conservation, particularly nature-based solutions. Germany's ongoing support is part of a long-standing collaboration, which has seen over EUR 600 million invested in East Africa over the past 26 years. The recent summit of EAC Heads of State, which focused on accelerating regional integration through Page 10 of 23

11. digital transformation, was also praised by Germany. Furthermore, Germany commended the EAC's success in enhancing intra-regional trade and strengthening its position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This partnership emphasizes the critical role of health sector collaboration, especially in light of recent outbreaks of diseases like Mpox and Marburg Virus. Both parties highlighted the need to enhance regional capacities for pandemic prevention and response. Additionally, Germany and the EAC reaffirmed their commitment to integrated water resource management, as climate-related challenges like flooding and droughts continue to affect the region. The EAC-German partnership represents a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life for the 320 million citizens of East Africa, aligning with the broader goals of regional integration and sustainable development. 5.11Training Assessors for EAC Regional Programme Accreditation The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) conducted a training workshop for assessors in the East African Community (EAC) Regional Programme Accreditation, which took place from May 23 to 24, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of the workshop was to equip the assessors with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize developed standards, guidelines, norms, and tools to ensure that the assessment and review processes are conducted in a professional and objective manner (IUCEA, 2024). The IUCEA Executive Secretary, emphasized that the training aimed building capacity in participants as programme developers and experts within their own institutions. The workshop participants came from various higher education institutions across East Africa, as well as from the Africa Centers of Excellence in Malawi and Mozambique (IUCEA, 2024). The IUCEA has been working since 2006 to develop a regional Quality Assurance system as part of its mandate to harmonize higher education standards within the EAC. In 2020, IUCEA launched a framework for regional programme accreditation, which was built upon its existing Quality Assurance Framework. The initiative for regional Page 11 of 23

12. programme accreditation aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education across the region by standardizing processes and ensuring consistency in educational offerings. In 2023, IUCEA made a call for assessors to apply for training, with the response being so overwhelming that the training had to be organized in cohorts, with the 2024 workshop representing the second cohort. Selection of participants was based on thematic areas such as human health, animal science, engineering, ICT, education, pharmacy, agricultural sciences, and data sciences (IUCEA, 2024). The Africa Regional Director for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), expressed the organization's strong interest in supporting the workshop, citing the long- standing partnership between DAAD and IUCEA. She highlighted that DAAD’s mandate included assisting universities with internationalization efforts, promoting high standards of education, and harmonizing higher education across East Africa. This collaboration, spanning over 20 years, has been formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education management and academic program harmonization within the region (IUCEA, 2024). To achieve EAC regional accreditation, a programme must first be accredited at the national level by the relevant National Council or Commission for higher education. The regional accreditation is expected to serve as a mark of excellence, enhancing the quality of educational programmes, teaching methods, facilities, and faculty members. Additionally, it would contribute to the recognition of qualifications and facilitate the mobility of students, staff, and labor within the region, further promoting regional integration (IUCEA, 2024). 5.12 Regional Alliance for Advancing Digital Skills, Research, and Innovation in East Africa The Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), supported by GIZ under the EAC Digital Skills for an Innovative Industry project (dSkills@EA), hosted a workshop in Arusha, Tanzania, on August 12, 2024. The workshop focused on creating the East African Digital Skills, AI Research, and Innovation Alliance, responding to the EAC Sectoral Council’s 2024 directive on enhancing digital transformation. The event brought together stakeholders from academia, the private sector, civil society, and partner states Page 12 of 23

13. to address the growing need for digital skills across all sectors, including health and industry, to drive regional development. The initiative aligned with the EAC Treaty and the 2025 Strategic Plan, highlighting the importance of digital skills and innovation for socio-economic growth. The alliance aimed at fostering collaboration between academic institutions, industry, and policymakers to bridge the digital skills gap and develop a regional AI framework. Participants emphasized the critical role of education in innovation and the necessity of regional cooperation. Recommendations from the workshop included creating a strategic plan for AI adoption, launching an implementation roadmap, and advocating for the EAC regional AI Strategy, with a target launch in 2025. This initiative contributes to the African Union’s focus on education in 2024, aimed at addressing educational challenges across the continent. 5.13 15th Annual Meeting and Conference of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) July 17th-18th, 2024, Juba, South Sudan The 15th Annual Meeting and Conference of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) took place on July 17th-18th, 2024, in Juba, South Sudan. The event brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the East African Community (EAC) and beyond, with a focus on higher education leadership and governance. The theme of the conference was “Innovative Leadership and Governance Approaches in Higher Education: Towards EAC Common Higher Education Area.” Discussions centered on frameworks for addressing challenges in higher education institutions, with an emphasis on regional integration, innovative teaching methodologies, and transformative governance practices. The conference also highlighted strategies for improving student outcomes and leveraging technology for higher education. The event contributed to the EAC's goal of creating a harmonized higher education system, promoting the free movement of students, staff, and professionals within the region. IUCEA aimed for the conference to support the objectives of the 2017 EAC Common Higher Education Area Declaration, which sought to standardize and enhance higher education across East Africa (IUCEA, 2024). 5.14 Demographics of African Faculty in the East African Community (DAF EAC) Project: Enhancing Data Management for Faculty Planning Page 13 of 23

14. The Demographics of African Faculty in the East African Community (DAF EAC) project, funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, launched its second phase on June 12, 2024, in Kampala, Uganda. Building on the first phase’s findings (2021- 2023) and the 2018 pilot in Ghana, the project aimed at addressing significant data gaps in higher education faculty across East Africa. The first phase revealed fragmented faculty data at institutional, national, and regional levels, with specific projections indicating substantial faculty shortages by 2030 in countries like Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, due to increasing student enrollments and population growth ( [DAF EAC] project, 2024) Phase 2 focused on improving data collection and management through a coordinated approach, linking national university systems to the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and regional stakeholders. The project’s goal was to establish harmonized guidelines for data collection and management, advocating for best practices to support informed policymaking in higher education in the region( [DAF EAC] project, 2024) Implemented by a consortium of IUCEA, the Association of African Universities (AAU), Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), and the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the project aimed at fostering a data culture and addressing systemic data challenges. The project’s outcomes were expected to support long-term planning for faculty needs and higher education quality improvement across the East African Community. As of December 2024, the EAC's priorities include fostering regional integration, trade, security, and infrastructure development. Significant strides have been made in economic integration through initiatives like the EAC Common Market and the proposed Monetary Union, while infrastructure projects in roads, railways, and energy aimed at enhancing economic connectivity( [DAF EAC] project, 2024). The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers greater market access and opportunities for trade growth, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Additionally, the EAC has made efforts to strengthen political stability and security cooperation, including joint peacekeeping initiatives in conflict-prone areas like South Sudan and Burundi. Page 14 of 23

15. However, the EAC faces several challenges. Political tensions between member states, particularly over governance and human rights, have hindered deeper integration. Economic disparities among member states—such as the wealth gap between Uganda and Kenya versus Burundi and South Sudan—complicate policy harmonization and the equitable distribution of benefits. Security concerns, particularly from conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia, also pose a threat to regional stability. Furthermore, infrastructure deficiencies in transport and energy systems continue to obstruct intra- regional trade and economic development. 6.0 OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSION From the selected activities in the East African region, it is evident that various efforts to advance regional and continental integration are fragmented. Initiatives from continental, regional, and national levels aim to create an integrated, peaceful Africa where its people can thrive. However, there is a significant opportunity to consolidate these disjointed efforts through the establishment of an office at the continental level. This office could proactively monitor ongoing projects and inform the organizers of previous efforts, helping to prevent duplication and minimize resource wastage. Such coordination would guide project organizers in addressing gaps or areas overlooked in prior initiatives. Moreover, pooling resources could enable the execution of high- impact projects that might otherwise lack funding. However, it is important to note that most regional and continental initiatives, particularly those related to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), do not directly focus on the integration of higher education. Only institutions such as the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Interuniversity Council of East Africa (IUCEA) are actively involved in higher education integration. This oversight partially explains why the East African Common Higher Education Area (EAHEA) has remained stagnant since its inception in 2017. Additionally, while initiatives like HAQAA and other regional programs have trained numerous higher education experts on regional integration, their data remains fragmented. The ongoing MOOC series, now in its second phase, has successfully trained experts across Africa. OBRIAL Global has innovatively developed materials and expert-led recordings focused on regional and continental higher education Page 15 of 23

16. integration. The first cohort of trainees formed the HAQAA Network on African Continental and Regional Integration in Higher Education, and it is anticipated that the network will continue to grow, influencing more higher education experts to undergo training and become advocates for regional and continental integration. There should be a deliberate effort to involve network members in AfCFTA-related activities. Additionally, it is crucial for these trained experts to produce tangible outcomes that advance higher education integration and strengthen regional and continental cooperation. It is concerning that many regional blocs, such as the East African Community (EAC), have not prioritized education as a central pillar for enhancing integration. The EAC, for example, identifies four integration pillars— Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation—yet education, a key driver of integration, has not received the attention it deserves. Without a strategic emphasis on education, its potential to facilitate deeper regional integration will likely remain underutilized. 7.0 OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INTEGRATION AfCFTA presents several opportunities for improving higher education integration across Africa: The free movement of students, academics, and professionals can lead to more robust exchanges of knowledge and expertise across borders. This mobility is essential for fostering a competitive and dynamic academic environment (African Development Bank, 2020). AfCFTA can facilitate collaboration between African universities on critical research projects, especially in areas such as health, agriculture, and technology, which are central to Africa’s development agenda (Association of African Universities, 2021). AfCFTA provides a platform for harmonizing educational curricula and ensuring the mutual recognition of qualifications across the continent. This can lead to better alignment between educational outcomes and the needs of the labor market (UNESCO, 2023). Page 16 of 23

17. 8.0 CHALLENGES TO HIGHER EDUCATION INTEGRATION Despite the potential benefits, several challenges hinder the full realization of higher education integration under AfCFTA There is a lack of uniformity in visa and work permit policies across African countries, which restricts the movement of students and faculty. Similarly, differences in national education systems and regulatory frameworks impede academic collaboration (UNCTAD, 2020). Many African universities face significant challenges in terms of infrastructure, funding, and access to digital technologies, which limits the scope of cross-border collaboration and online learning initiatives (World Bank, 2020). The slow pace of policy implementation and a lack of political commitment in some countries have hindered the effective integration of higher education systems (African Development Bank, 2020). 9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS There is a clear need to create a centralized office at the continental level to oversee and coordinate integration efforts across various sectors. This office should be responsible for: i. Monitoring ongoing initiatives to ensure alignment and prevent duplication. ii.Identifying and addressing gaps in regional and continental projects, particularly those related to higher education. iii.Pooling resources for high-impact projects to ensure that financially feasible initiatives are prioritized and funded. Education should be elevated to a central pillar in regional integration frameworks, especially within the East African Community (EAC) and other regional bodies. This could involve: i. Prioritizing education in the strategic goals of regional integration plans (e.g., Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation). Page 17 of 23

18. ii.Strengthening the role of organizations such as the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Interuniversity Council of East Africa (IUCEA) to promote higher education integration. There should be a deliberate effort to align the objectives of AfCFTA with higher education integration. This could involve: i. Actively involving higher education networks, such as the HAQAA Network, in AfCFTA-related activities. ii.Leveraging the expertise of trained professionals to inform policy discussions and contribute to the development of educational programs that support regional integration under AfCFTA. Fragmented data on regional integration efforts, particularly in higher education, should be systematically collected and shared. This may: i. Facilitate informed decision-making and ensure that stakeholders have access to comprehensive, up-to-date information. ii.Improve coordination among institutions involved in education and integration efforts, ensuring that their actions are aligned with broader regional goals. Given that many education-related initiatives face financial constraints, there should be a concerted effort to increase funding for projects aimed at advancing higher education integration. This could be achieved by: i. Identifying and allocating dedicated funding streams for education integration projects within the broader context of regional cooperation. ii.Partnering with international organizations and donor agencies to secure additional financial support for educational initiatives. It is crucial to ensure that trained experts and networks like the HAQAA Network generate measurable outcomes that drive the integration of higher education. This includes: i. Encouraging the development of concrete policies, frameworks, and initiatives that advance the regional and continental integration of higher education. Page 18 of 23

19. ii.Tracking the impact of these initiatives to ensure that they are achieving desired outcomes and contributing to deeper integration. 10.0 CONCLUSIONS The various efforts aimed at regional and continental integration in Africa are fragmented, and this disjointed approach undermines the full potential of integration initiatives. There is a need for a more coordinated approach, particularly in areas like higher education, which is a key driver for deeper regional integration. The lack of emphasis on higher education integration in regional frameworks, especially within the East African Community, limits the potential for education to serve as a catalyst for broader regional integration. Education must be prioritized and integrated into the strategic plans of regional bodies. While AfCFTA is primarily an economic initiative, it also presents significant opportunities for enhancing regional education systems. Connecting higher education efforts with AfCFTA will not only strengthen educational integration but also contribute to broader economic and social goals. The growing network of trained experts in regional and continental integration, such as those involved in the HAQAA Initiative, represents a valuable resource. However, for these efforts to be effective, there must be tangible outcomes that lead to real, measurable changes in the higher education landscape and regional integration. REFERENCES Here is the list of references organized in APA style: African Development Bank. (2020). The African Higher Education and the Continental Free Trade Area. African Development Bank Group. Page 19 of 23

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