Stellenbosch, South Africa – A latest initiative aimed at bolstering quality assurance within higher education institutions across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has officially commenced. The Training on Internal Quality Assurance (TrainIQA) program, now in its fourth iteration, kicked off with an online meeting on September 16, 2025, bringing together 30 participants from 12 SADC member countries.
The program, coordinated by the University of Potsdam in partnership with the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA), seeks to enhance the capacity of higher education institutions to implement robust internal quality assurance systems. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the DIES programme of the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service and the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz, TrainIQA provides a comprehensive training experience encompassing theoretical foundations and practical application.
Enhancing Quality Assurance Across the SADC Region
TrainIQA’s structure consists of five modules delivered through a blended learning approach, combining three interconnected workshops with online phases. Participants will not only delve into the core principles of internal quality assurance, evaluation methodologies, and the crucial link between quality assurance and institutional leadership, but will also explore emerging topics such as the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into quality assurance processes. This focus on contemporary challenges reflects the program’s commitment to equipping institutions with the tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
A key component of the training involves the implementation of a “change project” within each participating institution. These projects will be mentored by a team of experts, providing tailored support and guidance to ensure successful implementation and lasting impact. The program aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and self-assessment within SADC higher education, ultimately contributing to enhanced educational standards and regional competitiveness.
Program Details and Application Process
The SADC-QA partnering organisations invited higher education institutions across the SADC member countries to apply for the 2025-2026 TrainIQA cohort. The application process, managed through the SADC-QA website, requires registration and completion of a detailed online application form, including supporting documentation such as a letter of commitment. Applicants were required to submit their applications by May 25, 2025, at midnight.
The application process involves several steps: registering at https://sadc-qa.org/s/registr/en.html with a name and email address, receiving a password via email, logging in with the provided credentials, completing the online application form, and submitting all required annexes. Applicants were advised that once the application is submitted, it cannot be modified, and any errors should be reported to the SADC-QA Secretariat immediately.
Expert Trainers and Collaborative Approach
The TrainIQA program benefits from the expertise of a dedicated training team, led by Petra Pistor and including Marcel Faaß, Benjamin Jung, Bella Sattar, Donald Chungu, PhD, Beata Mushema MD, MSc, and Thomas Hoffmeister. This diverse team brings a wealth of experience in quality assurance, higher education management, and regional development. The collaborative approach, involving both online and in-person components, is designed to maximize learning and foster a strong sense of community among participants.
The first in-person workshop is scheduled to take place in October at Stellenbosch University, providing a valuable opportunity for participants to connect with their peers and trainers in a face-to-face setting. This workshop will build upon the foundational knowledge gained during the online phase and provide a platform for collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
The Importance of Internal Quality Assurance
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) is a critical component of a well-functioning higher education system. It involves the systematic monitoring and evaluation of teaching, research, and administrative processes within an institution to ensure that standards are met and continuously improved. Effective IQA systems empower institutions to identify areas for enhancement, address challenges proactively, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.
The TrainIQA program recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions in the SADC region. By providing targeted training and support, the program aims to strengthen the capacity of these institutions to deliver high-quality education that meets the needs of their students and contributes to the socio-economic development of their respective countries. The integration of AI into the curriculum also highlights the program’s forward-looking approach, preparing institutions to leverage emerging technologies for quality enhancement.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) plays a significant role in supporting higher education development in Africa, as evidenced by its funding of the TrainIQA program. The program also covers economy class air travel for participants from Africa and ground travel within South Africa, facilitating participation and ensuring accessibility.
The SADC-QA Secretariat, based at the University of Potsdam, serves as the central coordinating body for the TrainIQA program. Institutions with questions or requiring assistance with the application process are encouraged to contact the Secretariat via email at [email protected].
The successful launch of the 2025-2026 TrainIQA cohort marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of higher education in the SADC region. As the program progresses, This proves expected to generate tangible benefits for participating institutions and their students, contributing to a more vibrant and competitive higher education landscape across Southern Africa.
The next key milestone for the program is the completion of the first online module and preparation for the in-person workshop at Stellenbosch University in October. Further updates and information about the program can be found on the SADC-QA website. We encourage readers to share this article and engage in a discussion about the importance of quality assurance in higher education.
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