Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability
This year’s convening will take place from October 5th-6th in Kampala, Uganda.
Anchored on the theme, Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability for Regional Development, this two-day convening aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and inspire innovative approaches in higher education within the East African region.
Join us as we work with institutions in the region to create a culture of entrepreneurial mindset; and equip their students with the relevant skills to thrive and succeed in the dynamic global job market and world of work.
Upcoming Dates
October 5, 2023
Convening begins!
Who should attend this convening?
The Convening will welcome leaders, educators and administrators from higher education institutions; industry professionals and entrepreneurs, regulators, policymakers and government representatives in the East Africa region.
What topics will be covered?
The Convening will focus on conversations around policy frameworks and regulatory support for employability and entrepreneurship in higher education; effective career services, building entrepreneurial mindset and skills among students.
How will participants benefit?
Participants will learn about strategies and best practices for enhancing student outcomes within the context of East Africa, whilst sharing innovative ideas, research findings, successful models and outcomes on employability and entrepreneurship.
Joining us on stage …
Over 20 speakers will lead sessions, deliver talks and drive engagement over the 2-day convening
Mr. Douglas Opio
Executive Director,
Federation of Uganda Employers
Prof. Samuel Gudu
Vice Chancellor,
Rongo University
Ms. Rose Dodd
Executive Director,
The Education Collaborative
Prof. Baylie Yeshita
Vice Chancellor,
Kepler
Prof. John Mugisha
Vice Chancellor,
Cavendish University
Ms. Lizzie Chongoti
Director,
The Education Collaborative,
East Africa Hub
Mr. David Mutabanura
Executive Director,
Cavendish University
Prof. Eiabu Lugujjo
Executive Director,
Uganda Vice Chancellor’s
Forum
In Attendance…
Higher Education Institutions
Non-higher Education Institutions
Speakers and Facilitators
HEI Leaders and Executives
Countries across Africa
Convening Location
Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, Uganda.
Steeped in history, Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is adorned with historical landmarks like the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Uganda Museum, where the nation’s rich heritage is beautifully preserved.
The Sheraton Kampala Hotel is a leading five-star luxury hotel that offers state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities that foster an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation.
Host Institution
Cavendish University Uganda
Established in 2008 and accredited by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) is a leading Private University in Uganda with a large student population from over 47 countries.
More than 10,000 students have graduated from CUU in many different disciplines at certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels since its inception.
Read more…
2022 EA Convening Highlights
76 higher education executives, administrators, and regulators from across East Africa participated in The Education Collaborative’s inaugural East Africa hub convening, engaging one another on improving educational outcomes and scaling quality within the region.
October Convening 2023 Schedule
Date: 5th & 6th October 2023
Theme: “Accelerating Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability for Regional Development”
Thursday 5th October 2023 – Sheraton Kampala
| Time (EAT) | Agenda | Facilitator |
| 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Arrival & Registration of Participants Note: Pick up your Convening access card, and materials at designated stand in the main lobby of your hotel. |
Fredrick Rotich – The Education Collaborative, EA Hub Administrative Coordinator |
| 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Lunch | |
| 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Opening and welcoming remarks | Official welcome by EA Hub Director and Convening Host Institution executive. |
Ms. Lizzie Chongoti Prof. John Mugisha Cavendish University Uganda |
|
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
|
This session will also highlight the successes and impact of building and fostering cross-border and interinstitutional collaborations in East Africa while propounding on adoption of best practices and regional developmental needs. Participants include executive leaders, faculty, and administrators of higher education, regulators, policy makers, industry, and professionals from development agencies. |
Prof. Michael Mawa
Prof. Meshack Obonyo |
| 4:45 pm to 5:00 pm |
Roundup Session Question and answer, reflections, and comments |
Mr. Stephen Oloo Technical Committee Representative Rongo University Session Facilitator |
| 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm | The Education Collaborative Exhibition: A self-paced walk-through experience featuring pictures, EA hub data, and posters. A section will also highlight places to visit in Kampala. | Hub / Volunteers |
| 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
The Cocktail will feature brief speeches from the Education Collaborative and the Uganda Vice Chancellor Forum caped with a celebratory cake cutting ceremony. |
Ms. Rose Dodd Prof. John Mugisha Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo
|
Friday 6th October 2023 – Sheraton Kampala
| Time | Agenda | Facilitator |
| 8:30 am -8:45 am |
Welcome and Reflection This session is a brief moderator guided stretch that will recap the activities and lessons of the 1st day and walk participants through the scheduled activities of the day setting pace for discussion and exchange of ideas. The Hub Host Chair welcomes participants, highlights the regional aspiration of the EA Hub and invites the keynote speaker. |
Mr. David Mutabanura
Prof. Samuel Gudu |
| 8:45 am – 9:15 am |
Keynote Address “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Unleashing Entrepreneurship and Employability through Higher Education“ |
Mr. Douglas Opio Executive Director The Federation of Uganda Employers |
|
9:15 am – 10:45 am
|
Elevating Change: Unveiling the EA Hub Impact Report of Transformation | Fireside chat | Plenary. This session will feature three parts; the launch and presentation of the key highlights of the EA Hub Impact Report and White paper on Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability, a moderated Fireside chat reactions and reflections on the unveiled reports with regional regulator, Higher Education Executive & Industry player and an open plenary engagement, discussing implications and next steps. |
Mr. Eric Saulo Fireside Chat Panel Dr. Sylvie Mucyo Mr. John Matogo
Prof. Michael Mawa |
| 10:45 am -11:00 am |
|
Communications Team |
| 11:00 am -11:30 am | Coffee Break | |
|
11:30 am -12:45 pm
|
Employability | Employability Initiatives Lighting Round Session This session will explore various crucial aspects of career services departments at Higher Educations Institutions through a lighting round presentation style Strategic Blueprint: Crafting Pathways to Employment Through Career Services Planning Embark on a journey through the strategic blueprint designed to forge meaningful pathways to graduate employment. We’ll answer how tailored career services planning can revolutionize job prospects and empower the workforce. Pathways to Success: Discovering Market Dynamics and Job Exploration through Career Fairs, Exhibitions & Festivals Discover how career fairs, exhibitions, and festivals serve as robust gateways to unravel market dynamics. We’ll dissect the symbiotic relationship between students, professionals, and industries, showcasing how these events bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world.
A Careers Department sine qua non: Measuring the Impact and Success of Career Services The pulse of any institution lies within its career services department. Join us to uncover the art of quantifying success and impact in this crucial domain. Learn how to assess the effectiveness of career services, from mentorship programs to alumni engagement, and witness firsthand the transformational outcomes. |
Mr. Bernard Ochan Ms. Patricia Gichuki Mr. Uwihanganye Emmanuel Ms. Patricia Gichuki
|
| 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch Break | |
| 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Cultivating Entrepreneurial Culture at Higher Education Institutions | Dr. Lillian Omoke Technical Committee Representative University of Embu Session Facilitator |
|
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
|
Entrepreneurship Part One | Deep Dive This session with go into an in-depth analysis of the University of Embu, Kenya 2022 post convening grant award on Developing a twelve-month entrepreneurial program to develop Innovative, Design, Enterprising, Agility and Leadership (IDEAL) skills among university students. |
Dr. Duncan Mugambi Lecturer Department of Business Studies and IDEAL Project Lead University of Embu |
| 10min | Break | |
|
|
Ms. Ludovica Ochieng Incubation Manager iBizAfrica Incubation & Innovation Centre |
|
| 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm | Coffee Break | |
|
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
|
|
Prof. Baylie Yeshita Vice Chancellor Kepler College – Rwanda |
| 4:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
Closing Session Call to commitment
Vote of Thanks |
Dr. Olive Sabiiti Ms. Lizzie Chongoti |