Erasmus+ Week for Sub-Saharan Africa Underway in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2025 (ENA) -- Erasmus+ Week for Sub-Saharan Africa kicked off today in Addis Ababa under the theme “The Role of Education in the Green Transition.”

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship program for education, training, youth, and sport for the period 2021–2027.

It supports mobility and cooperation projects among the 27 EU member states, six associated countries, and other global partners, including those in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The three day Addis Ababa meeting brings together higher education and vocational education and training institutions from both Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.

These institutions are either currently involved in Erasmus+ or are exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

Speaking at the opening, Minister of Labor and Skills, Mufariat Kemil, emphasized the importance of adapting education to the demands of a technology-driven future: “Our education must proactively address the transformative impact of new technologies, empowering learners to thrive in a tech-driven future,” she said.

 

The minister also noted the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, calling for collaborative strategies to effectively harness its potential.

“We see immense value in promoting intra-continental and intercontinental skills mobility partnerships, with a key focus on exchanging expertise and talents in green and other sectors,” she noted.

Eba Mijena, CEO of Academic Affairs and Erasmus+ National Focal Point for Ethiopia, expressed Ethiopia’s success with the program: “Ethiopia has been a significant beneficiary of the Erasmus+ program. It ranks among the top globally and in Africa in terms of student selection and scholarship applications,” he added.

According to him, 48 Ethiopian students received full MA scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year, following 53 scholarships awarded in 2023/24.

 

He also noted that since 2010, over 600 Ethiopians have received Erasmus+ scholarships for Master's and Doctoral studies in various EU universities.

Roberto Schiliro, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ethiopia, on his part described the event as a milestone: “This gathering is not only a celebration of education cooperation but also a milestone in our shared journey,” he stated.

He stressed that Erasmus+ projects help share best practices and build new partnerships between African and European institutions.

 

“The AU-EU Joint Vision for 2030 places youth at the heart of our partnership. Erasmus+ is a tangible expression of that commitment, building leadership and preparing a new generation for the global challenges and opportunities of tomorrow,” he added.

Jeilu Oumer, Academic Vice President of Addis Ababa University, highlighted the broader benefits of the partnership: “Over the years, Addis Ababa University has greatly benefited from capacity-building programs and research collaborations through EU initiatives, including Erasmus+,” he emphasized.

Jeilu acknowledged the transformative role Erasmus+ has played in strengthening higher education systems, enabling mobility, and fostering cross-border cooperation.

 

“Throughout Erasmus+ Week, we will explore how higher education and vocational training can drive sustainable practices and address climate challenges,” he underscored.

The week will also include the annual meeting of Erasmus+ National Focal Points, offering further opportunities for strategic dialogue and partnership-building across the region.