The British Council is delighted to launch the Innovation for African Universities (IAU) project.
The IAU is a learning and collaboration platform which brings together universities in the UK and SSA to engage, interact and learn from one another with the aim of developing mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen the capacity of Higher Education systems in both locations and increase their capability to participate and provide meaningful contributions as key players within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The project will be delivered by a centre of excellence – a partnership comprising 1 UK and 1 SSA university, that would be selected through a competitive process.
Centre of Excellence
The project will be delivered through an implementing centre of excellence. The centre of excellence partners must possess national, regional and international experience supporting entrepreneurship ecosystem strengthening and development as well as contextual knowledge regarding the challenges of higher education and business development in SSA.
Joint partnerships applications must be made by a UK and SSA university (in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa) for applications to be eligible for consideration as the centre of excellence. The partners must be committed to the goals of the project and assume shared responsibility for its success.
Key Project Information
Start date - April 2021
Locations – Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, UK
Duration – 18 months
Specific Activities – establishment of a peer learning network with equitable knowledge sharing, collaboration grants for network members, showcasing grant projects, dissemination and learning
Budget - £700,000
Selection Criteria
- Depth in expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation partnerships delivery within Universities.
- Understanding of the needs underpinning the design of a capacity-building programme for beneficiary partners.
- Ability to support beneficiary partners to build communities of practice with local start-up ecosystems.
- Expertise in using technology and digital resources to deliver higher education programmes
- Track record of working in the Green Economy and with local climate and innovation ecosystems
To apply
Complete the Expression of Interest form and submit a copy to HE.Nigeria@ng.britishcouncil.org. The deadline for applications is 19 February 2021.
For detailed information on the project, refer to the terms of reference, expression of interest (EOI) and draft grant agreement here.
For further enquiries and clarifications on the project, please register to join the clarification call with the team, using this link.
