Abstract:

European countries, primarily through the European Union (EU) and its "Team Europe" approach, are actively engaged in cooperation with less developed countries (LDCs). This involves not just financial aid but also implementing formative actions designed to foster sustainable development, economic growth, and governance improvements. Within this broader framework, the role of women must be addressed as a priority, as it constitutes a decisive factor in fostering inclusive growth, reducing structural inequalities, and strengthening institutional consolidation. Developed countries, in turn, should commit not only to the advancement of their local environments but also to the progress of neighboring regions. In this regard, in the case of Spain, and particularly the Canary Islands, it is crucial that universities promote educational initiatives and international cooperation actions with North African countries.

Within this context, the Learn Africa program emerges as an academic mobility initiative promoted by the “Fundación Mujeres por África”, aimed at providing on-site training scholarships for African women in partner institutions. The program is implemented through agreements with Spanish universities that host African students and researchers. “Learn Africa Canarias” represents an online training initiative led by the same foundation, in collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands and institutions such as Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias, targeting African women at the university level. It offers scholarships for specialized courses, postgraduate programs, and advanced training, thereby strengthening female leadership and employability, with significant involvement from Canary Islands institutions. The foundation is responsible for selecting beneficiaries, supporting them in visa procedures, and monitoring and evaluating their stay in Spain.

Funded by the Government of the Canary Islands, the program positions the archipelago as a bridge of knowledge between Europe and Africa. The public universities of the Canary Islands (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Universidad de La Laguna), together with Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias, have actively participated. Since its launch in the 2020–2021 academic year, and particularly under the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, training has been delivered predominantly online.

Since its inception, the program has been implemented on an annual basis. To date, 936 women from 44 African countries have benefited from 1,280 scholarships, gaining access to high-quality training in fields such as renewable energy, emerging technologies, infectious diseases, tourism and women’s empowerment, economics, entrepreneurship, and related areas. Specifically, within the field of “Technological Skills and Specialized Areas”, the department of Chemical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology of Universidad de La Laguna participated in the 2021–2022 academic year through a module on energy, water and development. This contribution strengthened the training of African women, supporting sustainable development within their communities.

Keywords:

Africa, education, sustainability, technology, women.