Strengthening connections between Europe and Africa

In December, major African and European universities, higher education experts and Erasmus Mundus Alumni students gathered for the first time to examine ways to strengthen links between higher education institutions in Africa and Europe and increase the mobility of students, researchers and teachers between the two continents. During the conference, participants sought to find ways of making the best possible use of the new phase of the Erasmus Mundus programme (2009 – 2013), which will provide increased possibilities for cooperation between higher education institutions in Europe and Africa. European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture, Mr. Ján Figel said, “By promoting the mobility and academic excellence of young people in higher education with the Erasmus Mundus programme, we help break down barriers of misunderstanding that can exist between individuals, societies and cultures.” European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, added, “Education is the single most important key to unlocking Africa’s potential. Strengthening ties between African and European students and their higher education institutions is crucial as we face increasing global challenges, such as climate change or the financial crisis, that we will have to tackle together through sharing ideas and knowledge.”
Since its launch in 2004, 866 African students have benefited from the Erasmus Mundus programme, with a strong increase in the past two years. Participation rates differ strikingly among African countries, with Ethiopia providing by far the most applicants.