22 applications were received, and five projects were selected in the first round of the new large-scale university partnership programme, Knowledge and Innovation.
With a budget of DKK 430 million between 2025-32, the programme strengthens partnerships between Danish and African universities and is a central element of Denmark’s Africa’s Century strategy, focusing on engagement through innovation and education. Its main objective is to promote university collaboration and student exchange between Denmark and African countries. By supporting university partnerships and providing scholarships for African students to study in Denmark, the programme fosters knowledge sharing and co-creation of solutions to global challenges.
The programme was launched by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the dialogue festival Folkemødet on Bornholm in June 2025.
As Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, said in the press release:
I look forward to welcoming more African students to study at Danish higher education institutions, and I hope that more Danish students will also seek exchange opportunities in African countries. Africa has immense potential, which we can help unleash through education.
The interest in the programme has been substantial. Over 250 participants from both Danish and African universities joined a Danida Fellowship Centre hosted online information session about the partnership programme. Following the application round, five partnerships were selected for support and funding by the Selection Committee for the Knowledge and Innovation Programme. In addition to the selected partnerships, the programme provides seed funding for pilot projects. Five projects received seed funding, and are expected to apply for a full partnership in 2026, alongside other applicants.
Early experience highlights that successful partnerships require:
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