South Africa is poised to benefit from international students facing barriers in the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia due to policy changes. South African universities, particularly those in major cities, are seeing increased interest, especially from Indian, American, and Nigerian students. To capitalize on this opportunity, aggressive marketing is recommended. South Africa ranks as the most popular study destination in Africa, with significant interest in medicine, health, and technology programs. The analysis by Studyportals highlights a strong market opportunity for South African universities to attract students who might otherwise study in the big four countries.

The Erasmus+ project, funded by the European Union, has allocated millions of euros for scholarships and research opportunities in Africa, yet a significant portion remains unused. This underutilization is attributed to a lack of information and a complex application process. The EU and associated organizations like DAAD are actively working to increase awareness and support applicants. Despite the challenges, the Erasmus+ initiative offers substantial opportunities for African academia, including scholarships, capacity building, and vocational training, with a budget of €570 million allocated for Sub-Saharan Africa from 2021-2027.

Scottish universities are promoting distance degree programs to African students as a solution to bypass visa restrictions for studying in the UK. This approach is particularly beneficial for women, working students, and those with families, offering a quality education at a lower cost. The initiative follows increased visa rejections and new UK policies limiting family accompaniment for international students. Despite missing the cultural experience of studying in Scotland, students can still earn a reputable degree. The strategy targets Africa, especially Kenya, as a significant market for UK universities, with institutions like Abertay University offering various online master's programs.

A report by ActionAid highlights the significant public subsidies provided to climate-destructive industries, such as fossil fuels and industrial agriculture, in the Global South. These subsidies, amounting to hundreds of billions annually, are criticized for diverting funds from renewable energy and climate solutions. The report calls for a shift in public finance towards sustainable practices and urges the Global North to fulfill its climate finance commitments. It emphasizes the need for a just transition to protect vulnerable communities and advocates for regulatory changes in the finance sector to support climate action.

A partnership between Samasource, a US-based AI company, and the University of Nairobi aims to advance the Generative AI industry in Kenya by providing students and faculty with part-time employment opportunities. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between academic training and industry requirements, promote diversity, and reduce biases. The initiative comes as the University of Nairobi plans to establish an AI school. Despite past controversies over labor practices, Samasource emphasizes its commitment to fair wages and dignified work. The partnership is expected to offer practical experience and enhance the skills of students and faculty in AI-related fields.

The Association of African Universities (AAU) has unveiled a six-year strategic plan focusing on 11 key areas, including research, higher education access, and capacity-building. The plan aims to enhance African Higher Education Centres of Excellence, promote mobility and technology in education, and strengthen leadership and management in universities. It aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing regional integration and collaboration. The AAU seeks stakeholder support for academic excellence and research, with a mid-term evaluation planned for 2027 and a final assessment by the end of the six-year period.

Groundbreaking research led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre highlights the potential of wild wheat relatives to enhance food security in the Global South by developing climate and disease-resistant wheat varieties. The study emphasizes the untapped genetic diversity in wild wheat, which could revolutionize wheat breeding and increase productivity by USD 11 billion annually. The findings suggest significant environmental benefits and improved food security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, through the integration of wild genes into modern wheat species. The research calls for increased investment in studying resilient wild crop varieties to achieve climate resilience.

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) has reported significant progress in research citation impact among its member universities, with some achieving or exceeding the global average. The report, covering 2015-2021, highlights increased publication rates, particularly in health and environmental sciences, and underscores the importance of data collection for institutional benchmarking and improvement. Despite high levels of international collaboration, co-authorship among ARUA universities remains low, prompting calls for enhanced internal collaboration. The report also notes improvements in postgraduate program efficiency and gender diversity, though gaps remain. ARUA's leadership emphasizes the need for clear strategies to foster collaboration and data-driven planning.

Irish universities aim to double the number of African students within the next three to five years to achieve a target of 30% international students. The initiative, led by Education in Ireland, faces challenges such as low awareness and limited embassy presence in Africa. Efforts include strategic marketing in regions with embassies, focusing initially on Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. The universities value African students for their motivation and self-funding capabilities. Ireland offers competitive tuition fees, post-study work opportunities, and a welcoming environment, positioning itself as an emerging destination for international students.

A significant effort to revitalize the African Crop Science Society (ACSS) is showing progress, with a focus on recruiting members and preparing for the 13th ACSS conference in September 2024. The conference, hosted by Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, Mozambique, in collaboration with the Institute of Agricultural Research and other institutions, aims to bring together over 400 stakeholders from across Africa. The event will feature thematic discussions, scientific presentations, and the ACSS annual general meeting, where new board members will be elected. The conference theme is 'Crop research and innovation for agricultural transformation, resilience and inclusion.'