Collaboration node Africa – Implementation study
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | ST F Internationalisering Högre Utbildn O Fors - Stift f internationalisering av högre utbildning och forskning |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | January 2024 - March 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Global cooperation 2024 |
Important results from the project
The project has developed a concrete proposal for a Swedish collaboration hub in Africa, the Swedish–African Research Arena (SARA) – including its mission, structure, thematic focus areas, and establishment strategy. This was done through analysis, interviews, and the establishment of an advisory group consisting of key individuals from Sweden and Africa. The proposal has been anchored through a joint recommendation from the reference group.
Expected long term effects
The project forms the foundation for a more strategic and equitable collaboration between Sweden and Africa in research, innovation, and higher education over the long term. The Swedish–African Research Arena (SARA) has the potential to strengthen the capacity of African partners, promote joint knowledge development, and open new pathways for Swedish universities and innovation actors to collaborate. This under the condition that the necessary funding for SARA’s establishment can be secured.
Approach and implementation
The project work was done in five work packages: - WP 1: Orientation trip – Jan/Feb 2024 - WP 2: Reference group setup – Summer 2024 - WP 3: Co-creation workshop with reference group – Jan 16, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya - WP 4: Networking workshops – two events: Dec 6, 2024, in Pretoria in collaboration with South Africa’s National Research Foundation, and Dec 9, 2024 in Abuja in collaboration with the African Academy of Sciences - WP 5: Launch seminar – Mar 14, 2025 in Stockholm