On September 11, 2026, the seminar “Investing in Higher Education for Development: Facts, Trends, Challenges & Opportunities for Africa,” co-organized by the Global Network Program, was held in a hybrid format. The seminar featured Dr. Trina Haque, Regional Director for Human Development in Western and Central Africa at the World Bank, and Dr. Roberta Malee Bassett, Global Lead for Tertiary Education and Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank.

The seminar introduced the current state, challenges, and future opportunities of tertiary education in developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa. Global tertiary enrollment is expected to increase substantially in the coming decades, with 82% of the world’s tertiary students projected to study in developing countries by 2040. At the same time, the gross tertiary enrollment ratio in Sub-Saharan Africa remains at 9.4%, highlighting persistent disparities in access to tertiary education.

Drawing on a range of empirical evidence, the seminar highlighted the contribution of investment in tertiary education to social and economic development. Tertiary education generates high returns in low- and middle-income countries, contributes to women’s participation in the labor force, and plays an important role in accelerating the adoption and use of new technologies. At the same time, the rapid expansion of tertiary education presents challenges related to educational quality, the mismatch between curricula and labor-market needs, and growing financial pressures.

The seminar further emphasized three key areas for the future of tertiary education: Jobs, AI & Technology, and Equity. Regarding employment, the importance of co-designing programs with employers, integrating internships and project-based learning, and tracking graduate outcomes was highlighted. With regard to AI and technology, the need to develop digital competencies across all disciplines and expand educational opportunities through online and hybrid learning and improved digital infrastructure was discussed. On equity, the importance of financial support, admissions reform, and support for first-generation students in widening access to and completion of tertiary education was emphasized.

This seminar provided a valuable opportunity to learn how investment in higher education contributes not only to improving individuals’ employment opportunities and income, but also to broader social and economic development and technological innovation, while deepening participants’ understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape.