About ACAF

Defending academic freedom to advance democracy, science and sustainable development in Africa.

Team working

Our Vision

To be a leading regional defender of academic freedom in Africa through fostering a culture of respect for academic freedom and serving as a catalyst for human rights, democracy, and sustainable development on the continent.

Our Mission

Collaborate with members, partners, and relevant stakeholders to formulate academic freedom principles that speak to the African experience, develop appropriate advocacy strategies and interventions and build supportive political constituencies outside the confines of the university to promote academic freedom.

Goals of ACAF

1. Advance Research on Academic Freedom

Generate high-quality evidence-based research and fill gaps in knowledge regarding academic freedom in Africa.

2. Develop the African Principles on Academic Freedom

Create academic freedom principles reflecting the African experience and promote frameworks supporting these principles.

3. Monitor and Protect

Develop robust monitoring mechanisms and indicators unique to the African context to track violations and positive developments in the area of academic freedom.

4. Support At-Risk Scholars

Design rescue packages and sanctuaries for scholars/students, with special attention being paid to female scholars/students and those from marginalised communities.

5. Advocacy

Develop innovative advocacy tools and public education campaigns to address violations effectively as well as to influence policy on higher education in Africa.

6. Build Strong Networks

Grow individual membership and institutional partnerships to defend academic freedom across the continent.

Our Core Values

⚖️

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, independence, and ethical conduct.

💡

Innovation

Applying novel models and strategies to drive service delivery across the continent.

🤝

Networking

Building strong partnerships with the academic community and civil society.

🌍

Solidarity & Inclusion

Embracing diversity and seeking the welfare of all constituents irrespective of status.

🌱

Sustainability

Designing creative ways to deliver on our mandate over the long term.

⚖️

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, independence, and ethical conduct.

💡

Innovation

Applying novel models and strategies to drive service delivery across the continent.

🤝

Networking

Building strong partnerships with the academic community and civil society.

🌍

Solidarity & Inclusion

Embracing diversity and seeking the welfare of all constituents irrespective of status.

🌱

Sustainability

Designing creative ways to deliver on our mandate over the long term.