The International Education Africa Summit and Awards is set to convene hundreds of international education professionals for a dynamic two-day programme focused on learning, networking, professional development, and celebrating excellence within the sector. The event, organised by Laprinxo Consult, has emerged as one of Africa’s most influential platforms for stakeholders driving international education on the continent.
In a statement shared with Saturday PUNCH, organisers announced that this year’s theme, “Shifting Lenses: Re-centring African Students’ Voices in International Education,” marks a transformative moment in the industry. Rather than focusing solely on inclusion, the summit aims to promote genuine representation and amplify the perspectives of African students who are key participants in global education flows.
The summit is scheduled to hold on December 11 and 12 at Ikeja GRA and Victoria Gardens, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, drawing educators, policymakers, student counsellors, agents, institutional leaders, and other professionals from across Africa and beyond. The event promises an atmosphere of critical dialogue, celebration, and thought leadership across two vibrant days.
According to the organisers, the 2025 edition is designed to highlight how African students can evolve from being passive beneficiaries of international education systems to active contributors and co-creators of the sector’s future. This shift in focus reflects a broader movement within global education to prioritise equity, representation, and cultural awareness.
The statement noted that despite tightening immigration policies and global economic uncertainties, Africa’s international education sector continues to demonstrate resilience. Stakeholders—including counsellors, agencies, and university representatives—play a crucial role in enabling students to navigate opportunities and fulfil their study-abroad ambitions.
It further emphasised the need for these stakeholders to intentionally elevate the voices of African students when advocating for fair institutional practices and favourable policies across various study destinations. By doing so, the ecosystem can foster more equitable mobility opportunities and strengthen transnational education systems.
Organisers stressed the importance of enhancing cross-continental collaborations that prioritise healthy, ethical student mobility. Such collaborations, they said, will allow institutions across Africa to build stronger networks with global partners, ensuring that students benefit from more accessible and culturally responsive educational pathways.
This year’s summit will also host the TINE Africa Awards, a prestigious annual ceremony recognising individuals, institutions, and organisations shaping the international education landscape. Nominations for the 2025 edition surged to 1,803—an increase from 1,182 in 2024 and 473 in 2023—reflecting the growing prestige and industry-wide acceptance of the awards.
Among the 1,803 nominations received, 21 outstanding winners will be announced across the various categories. Each award honours exemplary contributions to expanding access to global education and enhancing opportunities for African students across multiple regions.
One of the highlights is the TINE Africa Lifetime Achievement Award, a non-voting category reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained impact in advancing international education. Organisers noted that this recognition embodies the highest level of honour within the awards framework.
The statement explained that the 20 award categories cover a wide spectrum of leadership and innovation within the international education ecosystem, celebrating achievements from student engagement and institutional collaboration to agency excellence and community impact.
In addition to the awards, the highly anticipated TINE Africa Awards & Dinner Night will be held under a second theme, “COUTURE DE L’AFRIQUE – Celebrating the Best of Africa.” This special event will showcase African luxury fashion, world-class entertainment, and a gourmet dining experience that reflects the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
The dinner night is designed to honour exceptional individuals and organisations while offering attendees an immersive experience that blends elegance, creativity, and cultural pride. It will serve as a glamorous conclusion to a summit dedicated to elevating African voices within global education.
