Overview
This initiative promotes learning mobility opportunities within Africa and between Africa and the European Union. It supports cooperation in higher education and skills development, and promotes Africa as a study destination.
This project brings under one umbrella several existing programs such as Erasmus+, the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, Young African Leaders Program and other ongoing programmes to promote opportunities for learning and mobility on the continent and between Africa and the European Union.
Background
Youth Mobility for Africa is a flagship initiative under the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package, designed to reinforce strategic cooperation between the EU and Africa in higher education and skills development. It focuses on investing in human capital, fostering employability, and promoting youth inclusion across both continents.
The initiative pursues five strategic objectives:
- Expand inclusive and demand-driven learning mobility opportunities, skills development, and collaboration within Africa, and between Africa and the EU, through exchanges, scholarships and cooperation projects.
- Support the harmonisation of education systems to advance regional and continental integration.
- Enhance the quality, relevance, and attractiveness of African higher education institutions as destinations of choice.
- Empower African youth for sustainable employability and active citizenship.
- Strengthen policy dialogue, coordination, and recognition of Africa–EU cooperation partners.
Youth Mobility in Africa brings under one umbrella several existing and new EU-funded programmes, including:
- Erasmus+
- Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme
- Harmonisation of African Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation
- Support to the African Continental Qualifications Framework
- Young African Leaders Programme
- Africa-Europe Youth Academy
The initiative contributes to the Youth Action Plan in External Action (2022-2027) and the commitments made at the 6th EU-AU Summit in 2022, supporting our common ambition for 2030 and African Union Agenda 2063. It will contribute to the implementation of the African Union-European Union Innovation Agenda, adopted in July 2023.
Improved coordination between the EU, the African Union, Member States, and stakeholders from both continents is central to this approach. A shared platform for policy dialogue and engagement will enhance synergies and ensure more targeted, impactful opportunities for Africa’s youth.
Milestones
- Q3 2024 interim hosting of the Panafrican Accreditation Agency
- Q3 2024: Results of the Erasmus+ call for proposals
- Q1 2024: Event to showcase the contribution of higher education collaboration to skills in priority value chains
- Q1 2024: Results of the call for proposals 2022-2027 Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme