In a remarkable development aimed at bolstering research capacities in African universities, the European Union (EU) has initiated a groundbreaking project called "The DigiGrad Africa Project." This ambitious endeavour seeks to enhance the quality and relevance of African postgraduate students and young researchers by aligning their efforts with regional and global development goals through effective digitalization and internationalization opportunities.
A consortium of eight prestigious African universities has been selected to participate in the project. These universities include Laweh University College and the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, Moi University and the Africa Nazarene University in Kenya, the University of Burundi and Bujumbura International University in Burundi, as well as the University of Juba and Upper Nile University in South Sudan.
Joining forces with them are four esteemed European universities: UC Leuven Limburg from Belgium, the University of Extremadura from Spain, Sapienza University from Italy, and Maastricht University from the Netherlands.
The DigiGrad Project signifies a significant milestone in the quest to strengthen research capacities in African universities. By fostering internationalization, leveraging digital technologies, and facilitating knowledge exchange with European partners, the project aims to contribute to developing the African higher education sector, ultimately driving economic and social progress across the continent.
The primary objective of the initiative is to equip African universities with the necessary tools and expertise to undertake high-quality research, promote internationalization, and harness the potential of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning methodologies.
Executing the DigiGrad Project in collaboration with the African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE) and OBREAL Global, the EU aims to leverage the expertise and resources of these esteemed organizations. ANIE, a renowned coordinating body for international education in Africa, spearheads the project with support from OBRIEL Global—an association dedicated to fostering South-South-North cooperation—and universities from the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Belgium.
During the three-day Kick-off-Meeting (KOM) of the project held at Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya, from May 10-12, Professor Goski Alabi, Chair of ANIE, lauded the collaborative efforts of all participants under the leadership and coordination of ANIE and OBREAL Global. Their joint commitment and dedication were instrumental in securing the project. Prof. Alabi, who also serves as the Consulting President of Laweh University College in Accra, expressed unwavering confidence in the transformative potential of the DigiGrad Africa Project and its ability to yield the desired results.
As the DigiGrad Africa Project takes flight, it holds the promise of strengthening research capacities, fostering global partnerships, and leveraging digital technologies to drive progress in the African higher education sector. By investing in the continent's intellectual capital, the EU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Africa's sustainable economic and social advancement.
Article by RB Correspodent
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