Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and Vice Chair of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), has called for a complete rethink of how international academic partnerships are structured, urging for greater equity, mutual respect, and long-term commitment in global cooperation.

She made the call during a dynamic fishbowl panel session on emerging trends in African higher education, moderated by DAAD’s Accra Director, Lena Leumer. The session explored how current transformations, ranging from digitalisation and regional research hubs to funding volatility, are reshaping global cooperation.

In an interview conducted later for the DAAD centenary newsletter, Prof. Amfo reiterated the ideas shared during the panel session and emphasised that equitable partnerships must be governed by respect for identity, cultural differences and indigenous knowledge systems.

She cited the University of Ghana’s “One Student, One Laptop” initiative as part of its commitment to digital citizenship and global readiness.

“Transformation isn’t only technological, it’s cultural,” Prof. Amfo insisted. “Equitable partnerships must recognise African knowledge systems as legitimate, not treat our institutions as mere data collection sites. Research outcomes, ideas, data and intellectual property must be shared fairly and transparently.”

The fishbowl session, one of several thought-provoking moments during the centenary celebration, was designed to examine policy shifts, regionalisation and innovations in academic exchange. It also reflected a growing sentiment among African leaders that short-term, donor-driven models are no longer sufficient.

A night of celebration preceding the conference featured DAAD alumni testimonies, musical interludes and reflections on the organisation’s evolving role in shaping global higher education. The participation of several African academic leaders underscored Africa’s central voice in shaping the next century of academic exchange.

DAAD, has been a key driver of academic mobility and cooperation for 100 years.