Introduction
The African Union has adopted Agenda 2063, the continent’s collective vision and roadmap for the next 50 years.
Science, Technology and Innovation are recognized as key drivers for achieving Africa’s development goals.
Sustained growth, competitiveness and transformation will require investments in education, health, bio-sciences,
agriculture, and clean energy.
One of the aspirations of Agenda 2063 is to catalyze an Education and Skills revolution and actively promote science,
technology, research and innovation. The Pan African Virtual and E-University (PAVEU) is one of the AU’s flagship projects
designed to accelerate human capital development by leveraging digital technologies and open access to tertiary education.
Vision
To be a leading centre of excellence that provides open, equitable and internationally recognised access to online higher education
and research across Africa. PAVEU will foster a pan‑African learning ecosystem that nurtures critical thinking, scientific inquiry and
innovation, empowering learners to contribute to sustainable development, regional integration and global competitiveness.
Mission
To deliver inclusive, quality‑assured and relevant tertiary education and research opportunities to Africans anytime and anywhere.
PAVEU will combine robust academic standards, learner support services and cutting‑edge digital pedagogy to expand access, improve
employability and stimulate research that addresses continental priorities. Through partnerships with universities, industry and
governments, PAVEU will promote lifelong learning, professional upskilling and knowledge transfer that accelerate Agenda 2063.
Scope
PAVEU will provide a comprehensive range of programmes and services spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and continuing
education. It will prioritise scalable Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) resources, blended delivery models and modular credentials
to meet diverse learner needs. The scope includes curriculum development, faculty capacity building, research collaboration,
digital infrastructure deployment, student support for remote and underserved communities, and mechanisms to ensure quality assurance,
recognition and articulation across African higher education systems.
Objectives
- Expand access to quality tertiary and continuing education across Africa.
- Guarantee access to the University from anywhere, anytime.
- Develop infrastructure and support systems for rural and disadvantaged urban areas.
- Strengthen pedagogical and research capacity of African institutions.
- Raise the global standing of the Pan African University.
- Promote demand-driven education programs.
Context and Rationale
The proposal to operationalize PAVEU was endorsed in 2017 and approved in 2018. Hosted at the PAU Rectorate in Yaoundé, Cameroon,
PAVEU builds on the Pan African University’s vision of excellence in Science, Technology, Innovation, Humanities and Governance.
Its primary purpose is to maximize student access to quality, relevant and credible programs through digital technologies.
