They were warmly received by Mrs. Beate Schindler-Kovats, Director, DAAD Regional Office Nairobi.

Prof. Banyankimbona lauded DAAD for the work it is doing in East Africa in the area of higher education and commended the good collaboration between the IUCEA and DAAD. He subsequently shared the recent trends and developments in the higher education system in East Africa as well as priorities and programmes of the IUCEA.

Mrs. Schindler-Kovats on the other hand briefly highlighted the work of DAAD in East Africa: Its portfolio, the current and upcoming initiatives.

The IUCEA and the DAAD have a long-standing cooperation and many common interests. Both organizations strive for higher education cooperation, mobility and exchange, and quality assurance.

COVID-19 – it was jointly agreed – influences and affects the work due limited mobility of students, academic staff, and researchers hence a need to invest on digitalization and virtual platforms.

At the end of the very open and constructive discussion, it was agreed to continue to pursue the joint master plan, strategic considerations and forums and events, and to make greater use of the networks for the East African region. Mrs. Schindler-Kovats and Prof. Banyankimbona agreed to continue with exchanges and interaction to work together and continue to strengthen DAAD and IUCEA cooperation.