The History of the Building Stronger Universities Programme

Building Stronger Universities programme was launched in 2011 to strengthen research and teaching capacity in selected Danida partner countries through collaboration between Danish and local universities. Since then, it has evolved to place African partner universities at the centre of leadership and project implementation.

Phase 4 (2023 - 28)

  • Currently underway, Building Stronger Universities Phase 4
  • The three East African universities Gulu University, Hargeisa University  and State University of Zanzibar are the partnership leads, collaborating with selected Danish universities.

  • Focuses on generating and applying new knowledge to address local and global development challenges, including climate change, vector-borne diseases, sustainable tourism, and peacebuilding.

Phase 3 (2017 - 23)

  • Included six African partner universities in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.
  • Continued African-led model.

  • Achievements included PhD graduations, upgrades to research laboratories, libraries, ICT, and financial management systems.

  • Developed new university policies, postgraduate programmes, and online/blended learning initiatives.

  • In 2020, three COVID-19 response grants were awarded to strengthen capacity development and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals.

Phase 2 (2014 - 17)

  • Reduced the number of partner universities to seven, now only in African countries.
  • Adopted an African-led approach: designated partner universities began taking the lead, with Danish universities in supporting roles.

Phase 1 (2011 - 14)

  • Involved 11 universities across Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Tanzania and Uganda.
  • Focused on strengthening research and teaching capacity in Danida partner countries.

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