IEB at the 41st AEAA Conference – Driving Innovation in Assessment Across Africa

Godfrey Mushasha
40 minutes ago
2 min read

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) was proud to participate in the 41st conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).

Held from 25–29 August 2025 at the elegant Skylight Hotel, the conference brought together over 500 delegates from more than 30 African countries. The programme featured research papers, panel discussions, and exhibitions, all emphasising collaboration across the continent.

Guided by the theme “Transforming Educational Assessment: Towards Quality Learning and Informed Decision Making”, the conference provided a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in assessment practices across Africa.

A major highlight was the launch of the Common Continental Assessment Framework (CAFA) – a transformative initiative to harmonise educational assessment across Africa, strengthen recognition of qualifications, and support learner and labour mobility under the African Union Qualification Framework.

The IEB made significant contributions through thought-provoking presentations. Ms Confidence Dikgole, CEO of the IEB, together with Prof Sarah Howie from Stellenbosch University – UIC, shared insights on building resilience and harmonising educational assessment through a collaborative approach. Ms Funiwe Bikitsha highlighted the importance of leveraging real-time monitoring to safeguard the integrity of high-stakes assessments, while Mr Rudolph Henning demonstrated how itemised data capture reports can strengthen assessment design in Physical Science.

Beyond these presentations, the IEB team actively engaged with colleagues from across Africa, fostering meaningful dialogue on current and emerging educational issues. We were honoured to play an active role in this important gathering and remain committed to advancing assessment practices that support quality learning and informed decision-making.

The AEAA dates back to 1982 when it was formed out of the then sub-regional Conference for Heads of Institutions responsible for Educational Assessment in Eastern and Southern Africa (AEBESA). The founding members were Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Lesotho, and Malawi. Many other African countries later joined the Association.