Roundtable Africa: Potentials, challenges and opportunities of education and research partnerships

"Africa is at the threshold of an educational and scientific revolution that can be accelerated through international collaboration." Under this guiding principle, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) hosted a high-profile roundtable at the Triangel Space in Karlsruhe. 

The event gathered voices from research, science management, and international cooperation to discuss the vast potential and future of equitable partnerships between African and German institutions. Experts used the platform to explore the opportunities and challenges of international collaboration from multiple perspectives amidst global upheavals. 

At the heart of the discussion was the question of how strong partnerships between Africa and Germany can effectively support the transformation of education and science—especially against the backdrop of current political and economic shifts. 

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Joerg Helmschrot (Project Coordinator FA(ST)²Africa and WASANet, KIT Namibia). Panelists included: 

• Dr. Annika Hampel, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg 

• Dr. Zegeye Mamo, Head of the Emerging Cities Lab-Addis Ababa (EiABC-AAU and Bauhaus University) 

• Dr. Chris Funk, Director of the Climate Hazards Center, UC Santa Barbara 

• Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister, Director of the Center for Development Research (ZEF) 

• Gudrun Chazotte, Head of Scholarship Programs Africa, DAAD 

Power Asymmetries and New Approaches 

Dr. Zegeye Mamo openly addressed the structural imbalances that characterize many partnerships between African and European institutions. Research agendas are often dictated by European funding mechanisms, requiring African institutions to adapt. However, there is progress: “We have developed a platform with Bauhaus University based on mutual interest—independent of external calls for funding.” Mamo remains optimistic: “Africa is the last frontier of urbanization. In the next 25 years, we’ll create living space for a billion people. This brings immense opportunities—even for German students and professionals.” At the same time, he warned against inflated expectations: African universities are often overwhelmed by development tasks—expected to conduct research, teach, and drive progress—as a condition for funding. 

Dr. Annika Hampel stressed that successful and fair partnerships require more than good intentions. European actors must invest in intercultural competence and African studies, critically examine colonial mindsets, and be willing to share power—in topic selection, funding, and evaluation. Cooperation should happen on equal footing: This means reciprocal capacity building, structural support for African infrastructure, and true scientific co-creation rather than unilateral data extraction. A culture of openness and the courage to fail are essential for building lasting structures. 

Hampel called for an epistemic shift: “Africa has too often been the object of European research. We need collaborations that dismantle asymmetric knowledge structures.” She highlighted the Maria Sibylla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) as a model where African researchers lead critical initiatives, including the analysis of European migration policy. Her message: Equal collaboration requires time, trust, and structural change: “Sustainable partnerships do not emerge from isolated funding cycles, but from long-term commitment.” 

Gudrun Chazotte outlined core challenges and strategies for sustainable educational cooperation with African countries. With over 30 years at the DAAD, she emphasized the need for fair and interest-aligned partnerships. Both sides must articulate their goals transparently and align them for effective collaboration. “Only when both partners speak openly and act as equals can sustainable structures emerge,” Chazotte explained. 

She also focused on fostering entrepreneurship among scholarship recipients. With high unemployment in many African countries, entrepreneurial skills can offer returnees real prospects. Equipped with training, savings, and expertise, returnees could launch ventures that stimulate local economies. “When returnees become entrepreneurs, they can act as nuclei of development.” She also highlighted the role of the African diaspora and the importance of remittances, which often directly support education. 

She advocated a shift from the concept of “brain drain” to “brain circulation.” Through temporary stays abroad and structured return mechanisms, a circular flow of knowledge can emerge that benefits both host and home countries. 

New Realities in African Science 

Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister reflected on three decades of partnership with African universities: “The progress is impressive. Universities in Accra and Ibadan have made great strides.” However, he noted a challenge: “As African labs produce cutting-edge research independently, they no longer fit into traditional aid frameworks. European partners feel pressure from donors demanding visible 'development aid.'” 

As head of a chemistry lab in Nairobi, he observed that growing autonomy among African partners led to tension and a need to redefine roles in joint projects. He called for a rethinking of funding policies: partnerships should be based on equality, not paternalism, and recognize the growing capacities of African institutions. 

Research That Saves Lives 

“Science must save lives – not just generate knowledge.” With this powerful statement, Dr. Chris Funk from the Climate Hazards Center at UC Santa Barbara opened his remarks at the FA(ST)²Africa Roundtable hosted by KIT. 

He emphasized that simple ethical and physical principles—such as compassion or the fact that warm air holds more moisture—form the foundation for effective climate hazard forecasting. Early warning systems grounded in these principles can mobilize global science to support local, life-saving action. Research must not remain in the ivory tower—it must engage with local meteorologists, agricultural advisors, and the media to deliver timely and actionable information. 

Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Change 

The roundtable made one thing clear: Africa–Germany collaboration stands at a crossroads. Good intentions are no longer enough. What’s needed is deep structural change—in institutions, thinking, and interaction. True partnerships arise from long-term engagement, shared responsibility, and the redistribution of power. African voices must not only be included but take the lead. As Dr. Hampel stated: “The time for manifestos is over. What we need now is systemic change—toward truly reciprocal, decolonized, and sustainable collaboration.” The revolution in science and education is underway. What matters is whether it happens on equal terms—and who helps shape it.