Internal Quality Assurance Training to Elevate Excellence in Mozambican Higher Education Institutions (NMT-IQATEE)

About the training:

The NMT-IQATEE project aimed to strengthen internal quality assurance in Mozambican higher education institutions (HEIs) by developing the capacities of academic leaders, university managers, lecturers and quality assurance professionals to plan, implement and sustain institutional improvement initiatives. The training was developed through a collaborative partnership between Universidade Politécnica, Mozambique, and the University of Potsdam, Germany, within the Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) programme promoted by DAAD. The implementation process included preparatory activities, a call for applications, participant selection, institutional engagement and the preparation of training materials and instruments. The first face-to-face workshop took place in Maputo from 18 to 20 May 2026. It focused on internal quality assurance, institutional improvement and the development of individual transfer or change projects. Participants subsequently worked on their projects within their home institutions, supported by online activities, peer exchange and follow-up. The second workshop, held on 22–23 September 2026 at the Escola de Pós-Graduação of Universidade Politécnica in Maputo, provided an opportunity to review progress, exchange institutional experiences, discuss implementation challenges and reflect on sustainability. The programme combined face-to-face and online learning, practical project development and peer learning across institutions. Its approach emphasised evidence-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, institutional ownership and the development of a sustainable quality culture.

Expected learning outcomes:

By the end of the training, participants were expected to be able to:

• Identify institutional challenges and priorities relating to internal quality assurance,
• Apply quality assurance principles and evidence-informed approaches to university management and academic development,
• Design and refine institutional transfer or change projects addressing identified quality challenges,
• Develop practical action plans with clear objectives, activities, responsibilities, indicators and timelines,
• Monitor implementation progress and use evidence to inform corrective action and continuous improvement,
• Exchange experiences and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues from other higher education institutions,
• Contribute to institutional quality cultures based on shared responsibility, participation and continuous improvement,
• Consider gender equality and inclusive participation in institutional development and quality assurance practices.

Target group:

The training targeted professionals actively involved in academic leadership, university management and internal quality assurance in Mozambican higher education institutions.

The participants include:

• Deans, deputy deans and heads of faculties or departments,
• Leaders and staff of central university management units,
• Heads and professionals working in quality assurance and academic development,
• Lecturers and programme coordinators,
• Other academic and administrative professionals with responsibilities relevant to institutional quality improvement.

Participants are expected to be able to apply the acquired knowledge within their institutions and contribute to the implementation and dissemination of improvement initiatives. The programme also promoted exchange across institutions, gender-responsive participation and the development of professional networks for quality assurance.

Training dates:

• Workshop 1: 18th to 20th May 2026, Maputo, Mozambique
• Workshop 2: 21st to 24th September 2026, Maputo, Mozambique