British Council Report Addresses Equitable Partnerships in African Higher Education

At THE Africa Universities Summit (Times Higher Education Summit) in Kigali, an exclusive interview was conducted following the launch of a significant report titled “Building Equitable Partnership in Africa.” Commissioned by the British Council, this report aims to assist higher education institutions across Africa in navigating collaborative efforts amid pressing challenges, including youth unemployment and an expanding young population.

Meekness Lunga, the Regional Director for Higher Education at the British Council in Sub-Saharan Africa, explained the necessity of the report. “Africa is facing a number of critical issues, and no single organization or sector can tackle these challenges alone,” Lunga stated. The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders to address the continent’s burgeoning youth population and the potential risks of not turning this demographic into a dividend for economic growth.

The report provides practical guidance for developing equitable, fair, and sustainable international partnerships.

“Equity is about ensuring trust and mutual benefit,”

Lunga elaborated. He stressed that the partnerships should serve all parties involved, leading to long-term benefits rather than being short-term endeavors. For anyone engaged in building partnerships, the report serves as both a guide and a toolkit, offering actionable strategies to foster meaningful collaborations.

Orla Quinlan, the Director of Global Engagement at Rhodes University, also spoke during the interview, highlighting the importance of collaboration between African universities.

“We all need to share our ideas, share our knowledge, and build capacity for the next generation,”

Quinlan remarked. She underscored the value of networks like the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and the Southern African Research Universities Alliance (SARUA), which bring together universities to tackle challenges from climate change to education.

Quinlan emphasized that collaborative efforts extend beyond borders.

“I believe that as human beings, we have more in common than not,” she stated, acknowledging the necessity of global cooperation in solving pressing issues such as water scarcity and food insecurity”.

She highlighted the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and learning from diverse environments, stating,

“Through sharing our knowledge, we can solve local problems effectively.”

Another critical aspect discussed was the role of digital tools in enhancing collaboration. When prompted about the internet’s potential to foster partnerships, Quinlan referred to the methodology of Collaborative Online International Learning developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach allows universities to connect and share lectures, enriching student experiences across cultures despite geographical barriers.

However, she acknowledged the digital divide that exists across Africa, noting that not all universities have equal access to technology.

“This method is available for those who can access it, but we need to ensure that opportunities reach all universities,”

Quinlan remarked. Building a critical mass of engaged universities is essential for expanding outreach and fostering intercultural competence among students.

In discussing peace-building and conflict resolution, Quinlan stressed the importance of cultivating diplomatic skills within the educational framework. She highlighted how the media often emphasizes conflict while overlooking the need for peace-building initiatives.

“We need to hear more voices on how to resolve conflicts and build peace,”

she urged, advocating for education as a tool for fostering understanding and cooperation.

The insights offered during the interview at THE Africa Universities Summit reflect a shared commitment to enhancing higher education in Africa. By embracing equitable partnerships and focusing on sustainable collaboration, stakeholders aim to empower the continent’s youth and address the myriad challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. The report serves as a crucial resource for institutions looking to harness the potential of collective action and cooperation.