IREX and Development Gateway are proud to present an executive webinar series exploring the future of artificial intelligence in higher education. Bringing together senior leaders from across the sector, the series will examine the findings and implications of the recently launched AI Readiness in Higher Education report, which highlights how universities worldwide are responding to the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, governance, workforce readiness, and institutional transformation.

September 2026 Webinar

From Ambition to Action: Advancing AI in African Higher Education

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET

Format: Virtual

Building on our global discussion on AI readiness in universities around the world, this second webinar explores how African universities can turn ambition into action. Co-hosted with Development Gateway and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), this conversation will feature perspectives from leaders in academia, research, international development, health, and philanthropy on advancing AI adoption in higher education.

As AI adoption accelerates across Africa, universities have a vital role to play in preparing future leaders, advancing locally relevant research, and supporting responsible digital transformation. This conversation will explore practical approaches to AI implementation, lessons from institutional experiences, and opportunities for regional collaboration.

Panelists:

• Prof. Chika Yinka-Banjo, University of Lagos

• Hewan Demissie, Hawassa University

• Loise Ochanda, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

• Brian Halubanza, AFREHealth

• Vincent Nkundimana, Science for Africa Foundation

The conversation will be moderated by Mariam Ibrahim, Development Gateway, with opening remarks from George Kogolla, IREX and Dr. Emmanuel Abbey, ARUA.

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June 2026 Webinar

The Higher Education AI Reality Check: From Global Insights to Institutional Action 

Format: Available On-Demand (scroll down)

The first session in this timely series was held live on June 10, 2026. We welcomed an esteemed set of global higher education leaders who discussed the most pressing questions facing institutions as they navigate AI adoption. The program was hosted by Aleks Dardeli, President and CEO of IREX, and the conversation focused on the ethical, strategic, and operational decisions shaping how higher education can respond with confidence and purpose.

This special event was moderated by IREX's Cameron Mirza, one of the principal authors of From Ambition to Adoption: Insights into University AI Readiness from Around the World.

The webinar featured a distinguished panel of leaders in higher education and global development:

• Dr. Malek A. Alsharairi, President, Yarmouk University
• Dr. Rick Burnette, Senior Vice Provost and Chief Strategy Officer of Florida State University
• Yaw Akuamoah Duah, Education Collaborative (Ghana) 
• Dr Njeri Ngaruiya, Lecturer, School of Computing, Strathmore University (Kenya)
• Dr. Elka Walsh, Chief Academic Officer, Microsoft

Together, panelists explored how universities approach AI in teaching, research, and administration, while also addressing the governance, talent, and institutional shifts required for responsible and effective implementation. The discussion offered practical insights into what AI readiness looks like in practice, the barriers institutions continue to face, and the priorities that can guide action, partnership, and investment.

Watch the Program

Future programs in the series will be held in November of 2026.