About us
Harnessing education research for impact in Africa.
HERI Africa is a Pan-African initiative that puts African researchers in the driver’s seat, ensuring education research improves learning, youth opportunities, and community outcomes. Led by the Commission for University Education in Kenya, it unites government, universities, research institutions, funders, and communities to revitalise education research across the continent.
Our vision
A transformed African education research ecosystem that is relevant, impactful, and sustainable.
Our mission
Strengthen the capacity of university-based early-career and female researchers, promote gender equality, ground research in local realities, and democratise funding through African governments.
What we do
HERI Africa strengthens Kenya’s education research system to deliver credible, relevant evidence that improves policy, practice, and learning outcomes. By 2028, Kenya will have a coherent, Africa-led research ecosystem supplying trusted evidence for national transformation.
National Education Research Agenda
Co-creating a nationally owned agenda that defines Kenya’s most urgent education priorities and aligns research investment, with at least 50% of national studies contributing directly to it.
Centre for Education Research & Innovation
Establishing CERI as a national hub for research excellence, strengthening 100 early-career university researchers — at least 50% women and 10% persons living with disabilities.
Research Chairs
Operationalising five Research Chairs with gender parity at their core, drawing lessons from the South African Research Chairs Initiative to revitalise university-led scholarship.
Research communication
Ensuring research does not stay confined to academic journals. Over 1,000 research outputs will be shared in accessible formats tailored to African contexts, informing policy, practice, and communities.
Sustainable financing
By 2030, HERI Africa will be institutionalised within a government agency and manage an Education Research Fund equivalent to 2% of Kenya’s annual education budget, with at least 25% of financing from African sources.
Who we serve
HERI Africa unites government, universities, research institutions, funders, development partners, civil society, and communities across Africa. The initiative begins in Kenya as a proof of concept and is building regional momentum through collaboration with research communities in Senegal, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda — sharing lessons and connecting researchers, policymakers, and communities to deliver solutions that help learners thrive across the continent.
Our principles
Africa-led
We prioritise Africa-led research and locally grounded solutions to strengthen our contribution to global understanding.
Locally grounded
We produce research that meets the real needs of schools, communities, and the education system.
Impact
We make research accessible, translating findings to inform policy, practice, and communities.
Capacity & sustainability
We strengthen the skills of researchers and institutions for high-quality, impactful research that endures.
Contact
HERI Africa’s Secretariat is based at the Commission for University Education in Kenya. For questions about HERI Africa, partnership opportunities, or technical support, contact us at director@heriafrica.org.