11/06/2026
Advancing Higher Education in Africa: DAAD In-Country/In-Region Network Conference 2026
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Dorothee Weyler, outgoing Director of the DAAD Regional Office Nairobi, and Dr. Ruth Schimanowski, incoming Director. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect, exchange perspectives and discuss preparations for the upcoming conference and other planned engagements.
The visiting delegation comprised Dr. Stefanie Stromeyer (Head of Section Africa), Melanie Wolf (Team Lead, ICIR Programme), Finn Ermert (Programme Officer, Eastern Africa), Hellen Sahlmann (Programme Administrator, ICIR Programme Southern Africa), and Felix Barnes (Senior Programme Officer, Ghana). During the visit, the delegation also met with the ICIR Programme Officers, Charity Tongoi and Friederike Schustek, for further exchanges on the programme and its activities.
The three-day conference will bring together representatives from 32 partner universities across Sub-Saharan Africa, representing 15 diverse programmes under the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme. Discussions will focus on scholarship application and selection processes, programme administration, marketing and communication, and strengthening institutional collaboration. Highlights will include a gallery walk showcasing Centres of African Excellence, poster presentations and networking sessions designed to encourage knowledge exchange and lasting partnerships. Ultimately, the conference seeks to strengthen the network of partner universities, promote cooperation and contribute to sustainable higher education development across the region.
Following the Network Conference, the spotlight will turn to women’s empowerment at the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Alumnae Meeting for Sub-Saharan Africa, taking place on 9–10 November 2026. Under the theme “From Campus to Career: Empowering Women in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the meeting will bring together female alumni for inspiring discussions and interactive workshops on leadership, career development, wellbeing and work-life integration. It will also celebrate the impact of DAAD scholarships and strengthen connections among women driving change across the continent.
For aspiring scholars, there is still an opportunity to be part of this journey! The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2027 is accepting applications until 12 November 2026, supporting postgraduate studies in eight Sub-Saharan African countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly payments and an annual research allowance. Female applicants, recognised refugees and candidates from marginalised groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
