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From Burden to Breakthrough: How AI is Transforming OER for African Academics

28 April 2026

A new tutorial from OER Africa shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can simplify and speed up the use of OER for academics. As universities across Africa explore both AI and OER to strengthen teaching and learning, this resource tackles a persistent challenge: the time and effort required to find, adapt, and share OER.

New: Glossary of Terms in Open Education

20 April 2026

OER Africa has developed a Glossary of Terms in Open Education featuring clear explanations of key concepts. It offers concise, accessible definitions with links for deeper exploration, making it a practical reference for anyone engaging with the concept of open education.

The Next Decade of Open Education in Africa

23 March 2026

The OER Foundation at Otago University in New Zealand (launched in 2009) officially closed in December 2025. Although this was a programme in a single institution, it can be seen as a symbolic event for open education. It has prompted Paul Bacsich, an experienced consultant in online learning, to produce an evidence synthesis report examining the systemic challenges facing OER. In this article, we unpack the implications of his analysis for the future of OER in Africa.

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Current focus

Developing professional competences and skills

Effective Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for building knowledge, enhancing educational praxis, and improving student outcomes in higher education. OER Africa’s CPD framework space offers academics and academic librarians a structured, resource-rich pathway to professional growth and impactful teaching and learning experiences.

OER Africa has developed, and continues to test, innovative alternative approaches to continuing professional development (CPD) for academics. One strategy has been to develop Open Education Tutorials for university academic staff that will empower them to embrace open education.

Primary place to find African-produced OER courseware in several thematic areas, including: Continuous Professional Development OER for Academics, Academic Librarians, and Senior Management; Agriculture OER; Foundation OER; and Health OER.

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Resources

Featured resource

Explore Our New Academic CPD Framework and Resources

Are you looking to enhance your professional development or support it within your department or institution? Visit our new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework space to explore CPD resources that have been curated specifically for the CPD framework for academics.

About OER Africa

OER Africa is an initiative of Saide, established in 2008 with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, to collaborate with higher education institutions in Africa in the development and use of Open Educational Resources (OER), to enhance teaching and learning.

Our Mission