The demand for higher education in Africa far outweighs the spaces available in the higher education institutions. The situation has partly resulted from the disproportionate increase of primary and secondary enrolment and completion rates compared to limited increase of higher education spaces. Further, Africa has the highest growth rate of enrolment in higher education compared to other areas of the world. If the situation is not managed then Africa will remain a paradox of great knowledge resource but limited development.

The situation has been compounded by the fact that higher education as a field of study and profession is still new in most Africa higher education sector. The unique context of the challenges facing the countries in Africa requires research on the circumstances with a view of developing local solutions. This will not only help in solving the present challenges in management of higher education but provides an opportunity for the higher education institutions to act as catalysts in providing solutions to developmental challenges.

AHERI set up the below objectives to achieve its mission in solving problems identified in the Higher Education:

1. To promote and Support networking among higher education researchers in the region
2. To identify pertinent issues affecting higher education
3. To carry out relevant research aimed at improving higher education
4. To publish and document information on higher education
5. To advocate for the implementation of the research findings through influencing decision making within the higher education sector towards general development in African States.