Open Access

Petra Pistor, Neeroo Vimi Lockmun-Bissessur, Radhakhrishna Somanah

• Africa recognised the potential of digital transformation before the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Digital Transformation Strategy, the continent committed itself to support this change in line with the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want with focus on investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) , the promotion of the digital economy and the adoption of open and distance learning in tertiary education. However, the pandemic has given renewed impetus for digital change in higher education. The shutdowns of educational institutions brought about by COVID-19 have demonstrated that teaching and learning can be re-designed and educational institutions developed further, with the sprouting of collaborations in and across countries and continents. The drive for digital transformation, which is now gaining momentum throughout higher education institutions worldwide, is of major significance in giving renewed stimulus to one of the boldest agendas that have been adopted by mankind, the SDGs, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.