ACHIEVE-IT
Academic Collaboration through Higher International Education for a Viable and Equitable Africa with Italy
A project of academic collaboration to build lasting ties between continents
ACHIEVE-IT – Academic Collaboration through Higher International Education for a Viable and Equitable Africa with Italy – is an initiative launched by the University of Parma and the University Centre for International Cooperation (CUCI), funded by the European Union and the Italian Ministry of University and Research. ACHIEVE-IT offers a concrete and structured proposal to strengthen cooperation between Italian and African academic institutions through a model of exchange based on reciprocity, the enhancement of skills, and the pursuit of the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
ACHIEVE-IT aims to foster an international academic network capable of addressing contemporary global challenges by promoting the development of joint educational programs, international mobility initiatives, and shared research activities focused on sustainability, social inclusion, and local development.
An international network in support of higher education
The project involves 7 Italian universities and 37 African higher education institutions, spanning 16 countries across the continent – from North to South, East to West Africa. These include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
The composition of the partnership reflects the intent to build a pluralistic, inclusive, and representative network that mirrors the diversity of African educational systems and social contexts. The participation of Italian universities supports the promotion, valorization, and internationalization of Italy’s educational offering, especially regarding English-taught programs.
Strategic goals: education, research, sustainability
ACHIEVE-IT develops along three strategic lines of action, referred to as Key Actions.
- Key Action 1 (KA1) – Internationalization of the Italian academic offering: promotion of English-taught university courses activated by Italian institutions that are particularly relevant for African students.
- Key Action 2 (KA2) – Advanced Skills Programs: design and implementation of specialized higher education courses in both Italy and Africa, primarily targeting university faculty, professionals, and public officials.
- Key Action 3 (KA3) – Joint research and international doctoral programs: development of joint and co-supervised PhD programs, through the exchange and collaboration of early-career researchers.
These actions share an integrated approach to education and research, emphasizing intercultural dialogue, scientific excellence, and the social impact of shared knowledge.
Key themes and commitment to sustainable development
ACHIEVE-IT activities align with the principles of sustainable development, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Key priority areas addressed by the project include:
- Access to public health and community medicine
- Fighting energy poverty
- Promotion of sustainable and safe agricultural systems
- Environmental protection and urban planning
- Reduction of social and gender inequalities
- Digital transition and technological innovation
- Climate change adaptation as a cross-cutting issue
Within this framework, the Advanced Skills Programs serve as training spaces that combine theoretical knowledge with professional practice, generating direct impact on the communities and institutions involved.
Planned activities and opportunities for partner institutions
The project unfolds through a set of concrete and continuous actions, including:
- Student and academic mobility programs, both inbound and outbound, for Master's and PhD programs
- Organization of international Summer Schools in Italy and partner African countries
- Individual mobility for research, teaching, and training activities
- Creation of joint and co-supervised doctoral programs aimed at strengthening scientific networks and collaborative research
All activities aim to build a transnational academic community capable of contributing significantly to the development of a more equitable, accessible, and innovative higher education system.
Discover the 2025 Achieve-IT Summer Schools
“Food system challenges to achieve food security in Africa”
Parma, 8–18 June 2025
Science Building (Q02 Complex), University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze
“Advanced technologies for clean and affordable energy”
Parma, 5-15 October
Science Building (Q02 Complex), University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze
An investment in the future of international cooperation
Through ACHIEVE-IT, CUCI and the University of Parma reaffirm their commitment to ethical, sustainable, and forward-looking academic cooperation, based on equitable relationships and mutual recognition of competencies.
Therefore the project offers a valuable opportunity for all involved – institutions, faculty, researchers, and students – to develop high-impact education and research pathways capable of generating concrete change within communities and territories.
Contacts
For more information about ACHIEVE-IT, collaboration opportunities, or ongoing activities:
CUCI Email: Cuciparma@gmail.com
CUCI Website: https://cuci.unipr.it
Address: Strada Massimo D’Azeglio, 85, 43125 Parma (Italy)