New Objectives in Strategic Cooperation Between the African Union and Turkey
The African Union aims to increase mutual benefit in the fields of education, technology, and research by translating its strategic partnership with Turkey into concrete projects.
African Union Commissioner Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona stated that the partnership with Turkey holds strategic priority and that they aim to transform existing cooperation frameworks into concrete programs.
Foundations of the Strategic Partnership
Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, stated that the Turkey-Africa partnership is based on the 2008 cooperation framework and was further deepened with the 2021 Istanbul Declaration.
Contacts with the Maarif Foundation
Noting that discussions were held with the Turkish Maarif Foundation within the scope of the OECD Skills Summit held in Istanbul in April, the official stated that work has been initiated to prepare a structured memorandum of understanding between the parties.
Vision in Education and Technology
Expressing openness to deeper cooperation with Turkish universities and research institutions, Banyankimbona stated that they aim to carry out education and skills initiatives based on the principles of partnership, mutual benefit, and co-production.
Emphasizing that Africa must transform from a technology consumer into a producer, Banyankimbona added that they are working towards turning brain drain into brain circulation, and that the UN's "Correct the Map" decision is important in terms of the continent's representation.