Catalyzing Africa’s Transformation Through Modular Doctoral Innovation
The strategic objectives of the African Center for Doctoral Studies and Applied Research (ACD-SAR) are designed to operationalize its mission and vision through a systems-oriented, impact-driven approach to doctoral education. These objectives reflect the Center’s commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive innovation, and lifelong learning, and are embedded across its academic programmes, governance structures, and research ecosystems.
Operationalize Modular Doctoral Pathways Across Key Development Sectors
- ACD-SAR offers transdisciplinary doctoral programmes that are modular, flexible, and competency-based—tailored to the realities of working professionals and sectoral change-makers. These pathways span strategic domains such as:
- Agribusiness Innovation
- Digital Governance and Ethics
- Climate Resilience and Sustainable Architecture
- Education and TVET Transformation
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Venture Scaling
- Each programme is structured around thematic clusters and experiential learning models, enabling candidates to pursue doctoral inquiry while actively contributing to institutional, industrial, and community transformation.
Mentor Postdoctoral Scholars through Structured Narrative-Driven Frameworks
- ACD-SAR champions a mentoring ethos that goes beyond supervision. Through co-supervision models, narrative inquiry, and systems storytelling, postdoctoral scholars are guided to:
- Reflect critically on their professional journeys
- Integrate theory with lived experience
- Co-author knowledge with academic and industry mentors
- Contribute to ethical leadership and policy reform
This mentoring framework is embedded in the Center’s Knowledge Hub, doctoral colloquia, and innovation labs.
Institutionalize Lifelong Learning and Digital Pedagogy
- ACD-SAR is committed to democratizing access to doctoral education through:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Bridging programmes for non-traditional candidates
- Blended delivery models (virtual, residential, field-based)
- Integration of SAWBO content and open learning platforms
- These innovations ensure that adult learners, informal sector leaders, and underrepresented groups can engage meaningfully in doctoral scholarship.
Foster Cross-Sectoral Partnerships and Policy Engagement
- The Center actively builds bridges between academia, industry, and government through:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Policy co-creation with ministries and development agencies
- Strategic partnerships with universities, think tanks, and donor organizations
- Annual conferences (e.g., ICESDA, ICAM-TST) that convene scholar-practitioners and policymakers
- These engagements ensure that doctoral research informs and shapes Africa’s development agenda.
Scale Gender-Inclusive and Community-Responsive Research Models
- ACD-SAR embeds equity and inclusion in its research design, pedagogy, and institutional culture. Strategic objectives include:
- Promoting gender-balanced admissions and mentorship
- Designing inclusive curricula that reflect diverse epistemologies
- Supporting community-based research and participatory methodologies
- Safeguarding protocols and anti-discrimination policies across all programmes
- These models position ACD-SAR as a leader in ethical, inclusive doctoral education.
Embed CDT–BEPS Domains in Curriculum and Assessment
All doctoral programmes are structured around the CDT–BEPS framework, which integrates:
| Domain | Focus |
|---|---|
| Creative & Critical Thinking | Literature critique, autonomous inquiry, systems reflection |
| Business & Research Skills | Strategic modules, rigorous research training |
| Evidential Skills | Work-based thesis, demonstrable impact |
| Professional Practice | Consultancy, innovation labs, sectoral transformation |
| Strategic Foresight | Policy engagement, future-oriented leadership |
This framework ensures that candidates develop intellectual agility, ethical reasoning, and applied competence.