Support of the African Union Commission in Launching the Pan African University

ContextUniversities are essential partners in tackling global challenges, for example securing a sustainable water and energy supply in Africa or adaptation to climate change. They educate technical experts and managers, produce and expand essential knowledge, and connect with international knowledge networks. Up to now there has been a lack of higher education that offers high-quality graduate and doctoral programmes that are recognised in accordance with international standards and carries out applied research on energy, water and climate change. This means that employees are often not sufficiently qualified, African scientists cannot comprehensively research complex issues regarding the future, and knowledge transfer occurs only to a limited extent.In 2008, the African Union Commission decided to establish a Pan African University (PAU). The aim is to close the gaps in the African higher education landscape with an exemplary dedication to excellence. There are five thematic institutes that belong to PAU in locations in northern, southern, eastern, western and central Africa. A Pan African Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (including Climate Change) (PAUWES) was set up in Tlemcen, Algeria, which is to commence classes in October 2014.ObjectiveAs a part of PAU, PAUWES in Algeria contributes to Africa’s sustainable development.ApproachThe programme will address the gaps in the African higher education landscape. In setting up PAUWES – as part of PAU – it is helping to expand higher education, science and technology, thus contributing to Africa’s sustainable development.GIZ is coordinating cooperation from Addis Ababa; the programme locations are in Ethiopia and Algeria. KfW Development Bank is financing scholarships for students as well as equipment and infrastructure. As grant recipient of GIZ the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is helping recruit and select instructors as well as cooperate with German universities.Activities include:• strengthening the resources and performance of the African Union Commission and the PAU Rectorate for planning and setting up the PAU;• supporting the partners in setting up PAUWES;• developing international Master and doctorate programmes and structures for applied research at PAUWES;• promoting scientific cooperation;• cooperating with the public and private sector;• developing the quality management process and a safeguard strategy for the financial sustainability of PAUWES;• promoting gender equality at PAUWES.ImpactThe systematic use of knowledge and research, through innovative approaches, technology transfer and other means, forms the basis for alleviating poverty through economic growth, implementing societal reforms, structuring development to be both environmentally and socially sound, and ensuring cultural participation. The institute set up by the programme can help achieve the following in future:• African students acquire knowledge and competencies to promote sustainable development in the African water and energy sector (including climate change) through practical and research-based Master and PhD programmes.• PAUWES is networked with scientific institutions on the entire continent in the fields of water, energy and climate change in order to produce high-quality research geared towards African concerns.• PAUWES cooperates with industry, administration and civil society and is included in practical and knowledge networks. This enables solutions to be found for current challenges.

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