By Wallace Mawire
UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB), in strategic collaboration with the Historic African Diaspora Placement Program (HADIP) and the Association of African Universities (AAU) have announced the convening of a groundbreaking virtual symposium on September 17, 2025 under the theme “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African Higher Education Institutions,” expected to bring together academic, philanthropic and industry leaders to discuss new pathways for partnership and innovation between HBCUs and institutions on the African continent and across the diaspora.
Registration is now available for the one-of-a-kind event.
The Symposium seeks to catalyze sustainable partnerships among HBCUs and African higher education institutions by bringing together government leadership, university presidents, provosts, policymakers, researchers, philanthropists and resource partners from both continents.
The event’s format will feature dignitary-led plenaries, comparative insights on African and U.S. higher education systems, panel discussions, and a strategic dialogue on resource mobilization and institutional transformation. “This is more than just an event—it’s a launch pad for coordinated action,” said Ed Smith-Lewis, UNCF senior vice president, strategic partnership and institutional programs. “We’re setting the stage for executive leadership development, joint research efforts and mutual investment in transformative education systems.”
The event builds on collaborative efforts between HADIP and AAU, which exists to promote, strengthen and represent African higher education by fostering collaboration, enhancing institutional quality and serving as the collective voice of universities across the continent.
A HADIP representative stated, “This partnership is a significant step towards creating a unified approach to higher education across Africa and the diaspora. By working together, we can enhance the quality of education and research, ensuring that our institutions thrive in an interconnected world.”
The Secretary-General of AAU Olusola Bandele Oyewole remarked, “The Association of African Universities is excited to foster partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities. Together, we aim to strengthen education and address challenges, creating a brighter future for our students and communities.”
The Symposium was announced formally during UNCF’s annual UNITE Summit, which was held on July 20 to 24, 2025, signaling a commitment to cross-continental collaboration and inviting broader stakeholder engagement.
The event marks another milestone for UNCF as it seeks to elevate partnerships between HBCUs and the African continent.
As part of the commitment, UNCF ICB has already identified 8B Education Investments as a pilot partner to explore financing solutions for African students studying in U.S. institutions.
UNCF ICB also sponsored the recently concluded 4th Annual HBCU Africa Education Coalition (HAEC) Conference.
Key sessions at the HAEC Conference spotlighted institutional transformation, diaspora engagement and the future of African higher education.
UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society.
UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) is a registered subsidiary of the United Negro College Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization.
UNCF ICB partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to drive institutional transformation, student success, and community advancement. Its mission centers on equipping these institutions with the tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
The Historic African Diaspora Placement Program (HADIP) aims to reconnect African diaspora professionals in the U.S. with the continent through immersive cultural and professional experiences that foster sustainable development and strengthen transnational ties in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The Association of African Universities (AAU) is an international non-governmental organization set up by universities in Africa to promote cooperation among themselves and with the international academic community.
Founded with an initial membership of 34 public universities on November 12, 1967, in Rabat, Morocco, the AAU’s membership has grown to over 450.
