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By Edwin Naidu
South Africa-The Association of African Universities (AAU) has stepped into a new phase of international cooperation after participating in the 1st Brazil–Africa Rectors’ Forum in Brasília on Monday, 25 May 2026 — an event that also saw Brazil announce a $9.43 million USD (R$47.4 million) postgraduate scholarship programme for African students.
Represented by AAU Secretary-General Prof Olusola Oyewole and Mr Ransford Bekoe, the AAU joined more than 64 African rectors from over 30 countries and 70 Brazilian university leaders to strengthen partnerships in higher education, research, and innovation.
Hosted by Brazil’s Ministry of Education, the forum focused on expanding collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, mining, aerospace, and the human sciences — areas identified as critical to shared development.
Prof Oyewole delivered opening remarks emphasising the urgency of deepening Africa–Brazil cooperation in research, innovation, and technological advancement. The AAU delegation also engaged with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who underscored Africa’s central role in global development.
In a major announcement, President Lula unveiled the Capes Move Africa programme, which will fund 2,600 scholarships for African master’s and doctoral students to study in Brazil for up to ten months. The initiative, developed by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Capes), aims to boost academic mobility and joint research output.
“Strengthening undergraduate and graduate exchange programmes is essential to consolidating higher education as a pillar of the strategic partnership between Brazil and Africa,” President Lula said. Brazil’s Minister of Education, Leonardo Barchini, described the forum as the beginning of “a new phase of cooperation, friendship and opportunity” between the two regions.
“Opening Brazil’s doors to African students deepens our historical ties, expands research networks, and strengthens scientific and productive cooperation,” he said.
Prof Oyewole welcomed the renewed momentum, noting Brazil’s longstanding support for African student training and joint research initiatives.
The AAU’s participation signals its continued commitment to expanding global opportunities for African universities and positioning the continent as a key partner in international higher education and innovation.
©Higher Education Media Services. – www.ednews.africa
