Flensburg, 06/06/2024: As a result of the activities of Prof. Dr. Kay Pfaffenberger’s research semester, a further project has been approved by the DAAD. The focus is a collaboration with the largest university in Côte d’Ivoire, the Economics and Management Unit of the University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in the area of start-ups. The Jackstädt Center (JZF) will also be involved, in particular Prof. Dr. Dirk Müller. The project organization is in the capable hands of Dipl.-Vw. Martin Kühn, who also speaks fluent French and is essential for communication.
This year, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences is embarking on a major initiative: the “Creating Links in Côte d’Ivoire” (CLIC) project. This ambitious project aims to establish a long-term and contractually binding cooperation with the University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. At the heart of this cooperation is the promotion of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at both universities.
The Jackstadt Center (JZF) and the Centre for Business and Technology in Africa (CBTA) at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, both of which play an important role in economic and technological development, are joining forces for this project. The JZF combines research, teaching and transfer activities with a special focus on entrepreneurship and SMEs. The CBTA, on the other hand, works closely with African partner countries to promote economic, environmental and social sustainability as well as gender equality.
A project with concrete goals and measures
The aim of the project is to deepen the initial contacts between Flensburg University of Applied Sciences and the UFHB and to establish a long-term partnership on this basis. This cooperation should not only support the founding of companies, but also contribute to the improvement of institutional structures at both universities. To achieve this, two fact-finding missions are planned: a delegation from Flensburg will visit the UFHB in Abidjan and vice versa.
During these visits, the delegations will determine the needs and capacities of the respective institutions and societies in order to identify possible joint projects. The focus will be on entrepreneurship, taking into account potential areas for business start-ups such as water management, biotechnology, ICT, renewable energies, logistics and mechanical engineering.
The path to implementation
Personal contacts between the project partners are essential for the successful implementation of the project. Kay Pfaffenberger, who is responsible for the project, made initial contacts at the UFHB back in May 2022. These contacts are now to be expanded to include the people required for future projects.
During the planned trips, the delegations will not only visit the universities, but also potential non-university partners such as companies and ministries. The aim is to get to know the relevant players in order to create a solid basis for future cooperation.
Expected results and long-term prospects
A key component of the project is the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the participating institutes and the universities as a whole. These agreements are intended to form the basis for long-term cooperation and pave the way for joint projects.
In the short term, the aim is to submit an application to the DAAD Practical Partnerships funding program to support specific projects in the field of entrepreneurship. In the long term, the projects should contribute to job creation and economic stabilization in Côte d’Ivoire, which can ultimately also reduce migration pressure.
Benefits for both sides
The project promises to be of great benefit to both UFHB and Flensburg University of Applied Sciences. UFHB benefits from Flensburg University of Applied Sciences’ expertise in the field of entrepreneurship and CBTA’s many years of experience in working with African universities. For Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, the project means an expansion of its expertise in the field of development cooperation and the opportunity to gain new insights in the field of entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
“Creating Links in Côte d’Ivoire” is more than just an exchange program. It is a strategic partnership that aims to create sustainable structures at the participating universities and thus make a positive contribution to economic development in Côte d’Ivoire. With a clear focus on entrepreneurship and supporting business start-ups, this project promises to have a significant impact on the future of the participating institutions and the societies in which they operate.