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Launch of the Knowledge and Innovation programme

27-06-25

The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the “Knowledge and Innovation Programme” on Friday, 13 June 2025, at the dialogue festival, Folkemødet, in Bornholm Denmark. The programme strengthens partnerships between Danish and African universities as part of Denmark’s broader Africa’s Century strategy. If you missed the launch, here is a recap.

By Vibeke Quaade

The new Knowledge and Innovation Programme  focuses on enhancing university collaboration and student exchange between Denmark and African countries. The initiative is a key part of the Danish government’s Africa’s Century strategy aimed at strengthening engagement with African countries. It aligns closely with Denmark’s strategic vision of fostering ties through youth, innovation and education.

As highlighted during the launch, Africa is home to immense talent. Current global challenges demand collaborative efforts, and where better to start than with high-quality education. With the new university partnership programme, Denmark recognises the value and importance of cross-cultural dialogue and the co-creation of knowledge-based solutions through shared learning.

As the Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, said during the event,

“The Knowledge and Innovation Programme specifically addresses student exchange programmes making it easier for African students to take part of their study programmes in Denmark, and hopefully it will also open doors for more Danish students to take part of their education at an African university or another educational institution. The international exchange of students is a good idea because we learn from each other.”

Her words were echoed by Abdulkadir Rago from Kenya, a Master’s student in Global and Development Studies at Roskilde University.

“I’ve been studying in Denmark for almost a year now, and the experience has been transformative. In class, I share perspectives from Africa, while my Danish and European peers offer theirs. Together, we co-create knowledge and shape it into real-world solutions.”

The programme offers funds for university partnerships, and within those partnerships, for scholarships for African students from African partner universities, to study at their partner universities in Denmark.

The programme will be administered by Danida Fellowship Centre, which brings over 30 years of experience in organising training and learning opportunities for professionals affiliated with Denmark’s development cooperation.

To address questions about the programme’s scope, eligibility criteria and application processes, Danida Fellowship Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, held an online information meeting on 19 June about the Knowledge and Innovation Programme. Over 250 participants joined from both African and Danish universities.
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More information

Speakers at the launch on 13 June at Folkemødet in Bornholm included

  • Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund
  • State Secretary for Development Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone
  • Director of Danida Fellowship Centre, Ulla Næsby Tawiah
  • Master’s student in Global and Development Studies at Roskilde University, Abdulkadir Rago (Kenya)
  • Director of the Centre for Technology Entrepreneurship, Technical University of Denmark, Professor Jes Broeng
  • Moderator, Founder & CEO of 2030 Beyond, Kirsten Brosbøl
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