July 18, 2008

Africa Attracts Renewed Attention From American Universities

The focus is on long-term partnerships that support African universities

By KARIN FISCHER and MEGAN LINDOW

After decades of neglect, African universities have become the focus of intense interest by U.S. universities, foundations, and donor agencies convinced that without stronger higher education, the continent's development prospects will remain bleak.

This attention is notably different from such efforts in the past in sub-Saharan Africa, which have often been limited in scope and, many say, reflected American, not African, priorities. American universities and other partners say they