Our Projects

The University of Helsinki starts a new Africa program and a stra­tegic part­ner­ship with the University of Nairobi

Africa’s global importance is growing. This is one of the reasons why the University of Helsinki is investing in cooperation with the continent. The University published its Africa programme for 2021–2030 on 14 October.

Global action, sustainability and responsibility – these three themes receive particular emphasis in both the Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki 2021–2030 and the University’s recently approved Africa programme.

The new programme is based on the creation and nurturing of long-term partnerships, the promotion of the international activities of students and researchers, and the application of multidisciplinary research.

“Our principle is: ‘with Africa’. We believe we have a lot to give and to gain in terms of cooperation. We wish to work for a better world in a sustainable way.”

VICE RECTOR

Hanna Snellman.

RESEARCH

Mul­tidiscip­lin­ary research provides an ex­cel­lent basis for co­oper­a­tion

The University of Helsinki currently carries out a wide range of research and teaching on Africa. The research conducted on zoonotic viruses, vaccines, agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and African societies, cultures and languages will constitute an excellent basis for the new cooperation.

“One of the core strengths of our multidisciplinary university is the incredibly diverse expertise of our community. The new Africa programme will promote interaction between experts of different fields and the development of new cross-disciplinary skills,” notes Snellman.

African studies scholars of various fields have also been closely involved in drafting the University’s Africa programme.