The application of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to transform the higher education model in Africa and other regions. To explore issues related to digitalisation and AI application in higher education institutions (HEIs), the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO IICBA) and the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) jointly conducted an exploratory study. They surveyed Cameroon, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, as well as Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, to understand the current situation and challenges of higher education digitalization, and to conduct case studies to document the innovative experiences of universities and higher education management levels. This provided a reference for an overview of higher education digitalization in the African region.