Canarian universities promote an academic hub to connect with Africa from Brussels

The initiative seeks to secure European funding to foster scientific cooperation and lifelong learning on the African continent.

Facade of an institutional building with modern architecture and natural light.
IA

Facade of an institutional building with modern architecture and natural light.

Public universities from the Canary Islands have presented the Bridge to Africa project at the European Union headquarters, an international academic hub designed to enhance scientific and educational collaboration with the African continent.

The proposal, presented to the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union, aims to integrate Canarian academic institutions as a strategic node in relations with Africa. The main goal is to channel cooperation through the Global Gateway funds, a European program with a budget of up to 300 billion euros for infrastructure, digitalization, health, education, and research.
The action plan seeks to coordinate a joint working network between Spanish and African universities. To this end, the strategy includes a specific offer of micro-credentials and lifelong learning programs, facilitating access to educational opportunities from the archipelago to the neighboring continent.
During the visit to Brussels, academic representatives and the Government of the Canary Islands held meetings with diplomats and advisors from the Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU, as well as members of the European Commission. These meetings were intended to gather technical input to advance the effective implementation of the project.
Based on information from the official source: Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) (07/07/2026)