Kadhila, NgepathimoLibebe, Eugene Lizazi2023-09-062023-09-062021http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3725This chapter seeks to establish why slow implementation in the harmonisation of quality assurance initiatives in African higher education systems is based on critical literature analysis. Doing so attempts to address the following questions: a Which harmonisation policy initiatives have been adopted in higher education on the African continent? b What is the current situation regarding the implementation of such policy initiatives? c Have commitments to the implementation of the harmonisation policy framework been made and realised by African countries? d What are the factors that hinder the effective implementation of such initiatives? e How could the current status quo be improved?Harmonised quality assurance systems for higher education are imperative for Africa to realise the vision of an integrated and prosperous continent characterised by economic growth, deeper integration and competitiveness in the global economy. Diverse higher education systems have resulted in a lack of mutual recognition of credits and qualifications, constraining academic integration and student mobility across Africa. The African Union has promoted policies that should harmonise and strengthen higher education quality in Africa to ensure local relevance and global competitiveness. This chapter shows that despite these efforts and attendant benefits that these initiatives may offer, implementation has been very slow. This consequently call for sound policies, planning, resources and efficient implementation arrangements, mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation and evidence-based policy formulation and implementation.enQuality assurance systemsAfricaHigher education systemsPolicy issuesPolicy formulation and implementationBook chapter