Position Paper: shaping the AU–EU agenda through education

ByGeorgina Boixereu

As the African Union and the European Union prepare to meet at the upcoming AU–EU Summit in Luanda (24–25 November 2025), Obreal and 15 other organizations affiliated to the Cooperation for Sustainable Development in Higher Education Group (S-DHG), have released a Position Paper that calls for stronger, more equitable and strategically co-owned cooperation in higher education and research between the two continents.

The paper is endorsed by a wide range of institutions both from Europe and Africa including DAAD, VLIR-UOS, AFD, ARES, Education Malta, EDUFI, GIZ, OEAD, EraSud, Enabel, AASU, IAU, SARUA, AAU, and IUCEA, reflecting a truly global partnership vision.

DOWNLOAD THE POSITION PAPER

A shared call for action

The position paper urges both regions to place tertiary education and research at the core of their partnership, aligning closely with existing frameworks such as the AU’s CESA 2026–2035 and STISA 2025–2034, and the EU’s Global Gateway. It highlights universities and research institutions as critical bridges between education, innovation, and employability, essential for driving sustainable and inclusive development.

Key recommendations include:

  • Doubling academic exchanges between Africa and Europe by the next AU–EU Summit.
  • Strengthening African leadership in research and higher education cooperation projects.
  • Promoting co-financing and sustainability through African public and private sector engagement.
  • Integrating tertiary education into one third of all Team Europe Initiatives under the Global Gateway.

These measures, the paper argues, are essential to create a partnership based on mutual ownership, shared investment, and knowledge-driven growth.