By Karen MacGregor – Africa Editor. In Africa Analysis, Damtew Teferra reveals an urgent need for professional development for early career academics in Africa, whose research and teaching skills will be crucial to quality as higher education systems continue expanding.
In a special report, Sharon Dell and Munyaradzi Makoni cover a South African Technology Network conference in Cape Town, including calls by Universities South Africa CEO Ahmed Bawa for institutions to be key players in creating a more broad-based culture of innovation and problem-solving, by international higher education expert Jaana Puukka for universities to act as centres for regional innovation and economic development, and by Lourens van Staden for rebranding of ‘second class’ universities of technology.
In Commentary, Rahul Choudaha encourages international educators to continue building bridges of mutual respect and trust around the world, despite the jolt caused by the election of Donald Trump as United States president. Waldemar Siwinski examines major trends emerging in university rankings, including more rankings by subject, region and nation, and expanding rankings to include more institutions and new dimensions. And Safwan M Masri says today’s deeply interconnected world needs a new model for higher education, exemplified by Columbia University and its global centres, to tackle new realities and global challenges. Read more...

Food insecurity remains unacceptably high in West Africa. According to the Food Crisis Prevention Network, nearly 9.5 million people in the region required food assistance as well as measures to protect their livelihoods and combat malnutrition between June and August 2016, despite significant improvements since the 1990s. More...