This issue of CLOUD draws on insights from the 2024 High-Level Policy Dialogue in Africa on "Operationalising Strategies for Quality Higher Education in the AI Era", held in Dakar, Senegal, on December 13, 2024. It highlights strategic planning and policy developments in African higher education, along with local practices and innovative cases of universities driving digital transformation and AI integration. The issue features inspiring speeches from policy dialogue speakers and includes contributions from universities, enterprises, and international organisations offering in-depth insights into key trends and dynamics shaping African higher education in the AI era.