Haramaya University Delegation Participates at the UNITAFRICA Project Closing Meeting
Bari, Italy | 25–26 February 2026: Haramaya University delegation participates in the TNE UNITAFRICA Project Closing Meeting, held in Bari, Italy, where academic and administrative leaders from 78 African and 21 Italian universities convened to review the project’s achievements and outline future directions for collaborative higher education initiatives. The meeting served as a platform for high‑level dialogue, reaffirming Haramaya University’s commitment to international partnerships, academic mobility, and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Jemal Yousuf Hassen, president of Haramaya University, represented Ethiopia at the Round Table on Strategic Priorities and Needs in Academic Cooperation Between Italy and Africa, a session attended by select rectors and high-level delegates from across the continent and Europe. In this strategic forum, he shared valuable insights on strengthening inter‑university collaboration, advancing research capacity, and developing sustainable frameworks for joint initiatives. His participation highlighted Haramaya University’s expanding leadership in global academic engagement, the importance of deepened Africa–Italy collaboration in higher education, and the need for long‑term systems supporting mobility, joint research, and digital education. Through his contributions, Dr. Jemal reinforced Haramaya University’s role as a key stakeholder in shaping the emerging Italy–Africa Academic Alliance.
As Haramaya University’s UNITAFRICA Project Coordinator, Dr. Muluken G. Wordofa played an essential role throughout the meeting’s discussions and thematic sessions. His engagements covered various aspects of project implementation, including innovative teaching methodologies, training initiatives, digital learning environments, and institutional mobility strategies.
The two-day closing meeting gathered rectors, senior academics, project leaders, and administrative experts to reflect on the outcomes of the UNITAFRICA initiative. The program featured presentations on project deliverables, discussions on innovative teaching and digital platforms, and structured group work aimed at identifying pathways for a long-term collaboration. Additionally, preparations were made for the launch of the Italy–Africa Alliance Charter, signaling a continued commitment to equitable and impactful academic partnerships. Haramaya University’s strong representation further solidified its position as a strategic partner in shaping the next phase of transnational education cooperation.
As the UNITAFRICA project reaches its conclusion and the Alliance Charter prepares for launch, Haramaya University stands at the threshold of expanding its global footprint. The insights and leadership demonstrated during the closing meeting will contribute to advancing a more connected, innovative, and inclusive higher education ecosystem linking Africa and Europe.
Tags: academic partnership, Africa projects, Haramaya University, higher education, International Collaboration, project closing meeting, UNITAFRICA Project, university delegation
