e-Learning for Strengthening Higher Education (e-SHE)

Addis Ababa University (AAU), in collaboration with the e-Learning for Strengthening Higher Education (e-SHE) program, conducted a half-day curriculum validation workshop for the proposed fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program on August 6, 2026. The workshop brought together different stakeholders from relevant sectors to review the proposed curriculum and provide feedback on its relevance, quality, and readiness for online delivery. Read the full post on LinkedIn

Check out four years of progress in strengthening human capacity development across Ethiopia's public universities through the e-SHE initiative.

One of the key indicators of success for e-SHE is the extent to which universities are equipped and empowered to design and deliver high-quality online courses. Through targeted capacity-building trainings, technical support, and the provision of digital learning tools and frameworks, the program has strengthened universities’ ability to independently develop and manage online and blended learning programs. In this regard, notable progress has been achieved across Ethiopia’s higher education system. To date, 1,480 courses have been developed, with all 50 public universities actively participating in the course digitization process. This represents a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation toward blended learning within the Ethiopian higher education sector. It is encouraging to see this initiative being implemented at scale, where universities are institutionalizing digital learning, creating accessibility, flexibility, and the overall quality of higher education.

The e-Learning for Strengthening Higher Education (e-SHE) Program participated in eLearning Africa 2026, held in Accra, Ghana, from June 3–5. The conference brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, development partners, EdTech innovators, and practitioners from across the continent, creating a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on the future of education in Africa. Click the link below to read more https://www.linkedin.com/posts/e-learning-for-strengthening-higher-education_the-e-learning-for-strengthening-higher-education-activity-7470407909231747075-f8L3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACgcymoBoRqRo-a9PdPuwgNerCMIUIFQE_U

Last week, we successfully hosted the first Fireside Chat under the e-SHE, marking the beginning of a series of monthly discussions designed to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration across Ethiopia’s higher education institutions. Use the link below to read more about it. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/e-learning-for-strengthening-higher-education_last-week-we-successfully-hosted-the-first-activity-7468251256357122048-a0ge?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACgcymoBoRqRo-a9PdPuwgNerCMIUIFQE_U

We’re excited to introduce the guest speakers for our upcoming fireside chat on “Blended and Online Learning: Challenges, Experiences, and Outcomes” taking place on Thursday, 28 May at Addis Ababa University. Bringing together leaders and educators from Ethiopia’s higher education sector, this conversation will explore practical experiences, emerging opportunities, and the evolving future of digital learning. Join us for an engaging exchange of ideas and insights shaping the future of online and blended education in Ethiopia. We strongly encourage in-person participation to fully engage in the discussion. However, if you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join the session virtually via Zoom using the link below. Join Zoom Meeting: https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fj%2F95283474597%3Fpwd%3D0i9q9EzHwbtKgB5fKKPKpImlb38Nph.1&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1779887460000000&usg=AOvVaw38ccJ3NWF1MIoukL922DNF Meeting ID: 952 8347 4597 Passcode: 619411

Representing the e-SHE initiative, Dr. Zelalem Assefa, CEO of ICT and Digital Education at the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia, participated in a high-level plenary panel discussion on “The National Learning Ledger: Scaling Skills and Economic Mobility” at the Open edX 2026 Conference in the United States. Check out the LinkedIn post to read more https://www.linkedin.com/posts/e-learning-for-strengthening-higher-education_dr-zelalem-assefa-ceo-of-ict-and-digital-activity-7465032421013643264-Y-lE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACgcymoBoRqRo-a9PdPuwgNerCMIUIFQE_U

Mark your calendar and join us for an engaging hybrid fireside chat on Thursday, 28 May, at Addis Ababa University exploring the topic: “Blended and Online Learning: Challenges, Experiences, and Outcomes” The session will bring together university leaders and instructors to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the future of online education in Ethiopia. Guest speakers will be announced soon. We strongly encourage in-person participation to fully engage in the discussion. However, if you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join the session virtually via Zoom using the link below. Join Zoom Meeting: https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fj%2F95283474597%3Fpwd%3D0i9q9EzHwbtKgB5fKKPKpImlb38Nph.1&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1779887460000000&usg=AOvVaw38ccJ3NWF1MIoukL922DNF Meeting ID: 952 8347 4597 Passcode: 619411

The Mastercard Foundation team recently visited Addis Ababa University as part of an engagement aimed at gaining deeper insight into the e-SHE program’s partner-level support, implementation progress, institutionalization efforts, sustainability, and scale-up plans. The visiting delegation included members of the Foundation’s team from the Country Office and regional office. Checkout the details with the link https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7459599642536697856

Watch as Riem, a third-year Economics student at Hawassa University, shares her experience with the e-SHE SSS courses and highlights the one that had the greatest impact on her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrH8TX-KG5o

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Easter.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in teaching and learning, evaluating AI systems is critical. Join us tomorrow for “AI Evaluations in Education: Safety, Effectiveness, and Impact”, where Arizona State University will present its approach to assessing AI in education, focusing on safety, effectiveness, and real-world impact. Register here: https://asu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JTUF0sFJTn-0Ao0ICl1FuA#/registration

Here’s a recap of the e-SHE Public Universities’ Leadership and e-Learning Directors Convention, which took place March 9–11, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center.

Addis Ababa University has reached a significant milestone in its journey toward blended learning, with 16 freshman courses now fully developed and ready for delivery. Check out the details using the link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/e-learning-for-strengthening-higher-education_addis-ababa-university-has-reached-a-significant-activity-7444645013524918272-yd4v?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADXcRiYBdsXeIKSJqpGj4Bl2EbAUMC9tJd8

e-SHE successfully convened with all public universities’ leadership and e-learning directors at the Addis International Convention Center last week. The workshop brought together nearly 300 participant including representatives from Arizona State University and Shayashone. Check out the details using the link https://www.linkedin.com/posts/e-learning-for-strengthening-higher-education_e-she-successfully-convened-with-all-public-activity-7439204937852657664-YqB2?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACgcymoBoRqRo-a9PdPuwgNerCMIUIFQE_U

e-SHE has launched the Instructional Design and Learning Technology Training Course Facilitator Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to support facilitators in navigating the dynamic and evolving landscape of online instructional design. This guide serves as a foundational roadmap, offering structured insights into course objectives, learning theories, digital tools, and effective facilitation strategies. It has been carefully developed to provide clarity and direction for those leading digital learning initiatives. Designed to foster engagement, structure, and excellence in online learning environments, the document equips facilitators with the knowledge and practical guidance needed to deliver impactful and meaningful learning experiences. Please find the document with the link here : https://e-she.ethernet.edu.et/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Facilitators-Guide.pdf

Here is a brief recap of e-SHE Instructional Design and Learning Technologies Course Launch and Cascading Strategy Workshop.