About Us • Who We Are
About ACDE
The African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) is a continental educational organization comprising African universities and other higher education institutions, which are committed to expanding access to quality education and training through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) including e-Learning. It is a unifying body of distance education providers and practitioners in Africa, ACDE and was formally launched in January 2004 at Egerton University, Kenya. In August 2005 ACDE held its Inaugural Conference and General Assembly at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria, during which it was resolved to establish a permanent Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya.
Our Origin
The mandate of the ACDE, as a unifying body of ODL providers in Africa, is primarily to promote research, policy and quality in open and distance learning to increase access to education and training in Africa. We do this by building capacity, fostering collaboration and partnership, and advocacy.
Our Vision
The vision of ACDE is to become a major player in the promotion and advocacy for ODL including e-Learning.
Our Mission
Promote collaboration, research, and quality assurance in ODL, including e-Learning, to increase access to quality education and training in Africa.
Goals & Objectives
1. Promote open and distance learning, flexible and continuing education in Africa.
2. Promote research and training in ODL including e-Learning in Africa.
3. Contribute to the development of policies essential for the advancement of ODL including e-Learning.
4. Foster continental and global collaboration in ODL including e-Learning.
5. Provide a forum where individuals, organisations and governments can deliberate on policy matters pertaining to ODL including e-Learning.
6. Promote development of appropriate methods and technologies in education and training relevant to open and distance learning.
7. Provide a forum for interaction, sharing and dissemination of ideas on open and distance learning.
ACDE Constitution
The mandate of the ACDE, as a unifying body of ODL providers in Africa, is primarily to promote research, policy and quality in open and distance learning to increase access to education and training in Africa. We do this by building capacity, fostering collaboration and partnership, and advocacy.
Priority Ideas
Expand the membership base of ACDE for all categories.
Strengthen the ICT capacity of the ACDE Secretariat.
Strengthen networking and cooperation among member institutions, individuals, interest groups, international and other regional organisations involved in distance education and open learning.
Influence the development and implementation of distance education and open learning policies at the national level.
Sustainability
SDGs and ACDE
A Sustainable Membership Contribution Model for ACDE
ACDE Financial Sustainability Model
Strategic Plan
The ACDE Strategic Plan sets out a bold roadmap for strengthening open and distance learning (ODL) across Africa by 2025. It articulates a future-oriented vision wherein the council becomes a leading catalyst for accessible, quality education in the continent, leveraging digital technologies and fostering collaboration among institutions.
Quality Assurance
ACDE QA Policy Framework
The Quality Assurance Framework and Policy clearly spells out principles and guidelines for monitoring the institution’s operations.
The ACDE QA Toolkit
Distance and online education has a critical role in accelerating Africa’s socio-economic development. We cover the two major challenges Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in higher education in Africa faces.
ACDE Quality Assurance Certification
A program for African higher education institutions offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to ensure and enhance quality, supported by a 5-year certification process.