This paper analyzes in sociological and historical perspective the changes involved in the Bologna process and the commodification of higher education in Africa. The resulting innovations lead to the internationalization of higher education and the provision of online courses, the development of joint programs, and the creation of franchised universities. The first part of the article traces the adoption of the international higher education system by African universities and focuses in particular on the historical foundations behind the current reforms toward the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree scheme. It also considers new criteria to ease comparison among African universities. The second part deals with the globalization and commodification of education and their effects on higher education in Africa. (Contains 1 note.)