Since 2023 Leiden University has been intensifying its engagement with partners in Africa.

Guided by a dedicated Africa strategy, we have selected focus areas in which we aim to strengthen collaboration with academic and non-academic partners. The African continent offers tremendous opportunities for collaboration and will be central in global demographic, geo-political and economic developments in the coming decades. Working with our partners on joint education and research practices contributes to a more profound understanding of complex global dynamics and makes impact, for universities and societies.

Collaboration with priority partners in the region

Leading in our collaborations is a principle of equity. Equal partnership means that capacities and needs on all sides are brought together, to build knowledge networks that take local expertise as a starting point and integrate these practices into local and global knowledge systems.

The initial focus in Africa as part of Leiden's Global Engagement policy is on Morocco, Ghana, and Kenya. Prominent Kenya based collaborative partners are the Nuvoni Center for Innovation Research (which also functions as the Kenya hub for both LDE and the ICFI) and the University of Nairobi with which an LDE MoU was signed in 2025. Ongoing projects include the LDE Thesis Lab Just and sustainable urban and energy transitions in Kenya.

Another priority partner is the University of Ghana, in Accra. Together, we are setting up ways to work together more structurally. Many joint research and education projects already exist between the two institutions, and by institutionalising this collaboration, we aim to ensure synergy between these projects, while exploring new opportunities together. An MoU between the University of Ghana and Leiden University was signed in the second half of 2025, followed by a visit of 9 LU delegates to the University of Ghana in November 2025.

Leiden Africa Platform

In 2024, Leiden University established the Leiden Africa Platform (formerly known as LeidenASA), with currently nearly 300 members working at Leiden University, who focus their research and/or teaching activities in and on Africa. The goal of the platform is to stimulate further alignment, cross-faculty connections within Leiden University, interdisciplinary research and teaching, and promoting collaborations with partners in Europe and Africa, based on equity and mutually beneficial interests.

If you want to know more about the Leiden Africa Platform, or if you want to connect with Africa-focused researchers at Leiden University, please contact LeidenAfricaPlatform@asc.leidenuniv.nl.

The Leiden Africa Platform is governed by the Africa Region Group, whose members represent all Leiden faculties, and institutes such as ASCL, NIMAR, and NVIC.

Members of the Africa Region Group

• Prof. Marleen Dekker (co-chair)
• Dr David Ehrhardt (co-chair)
• Prof. Marja Spierenburg
• Dr Corinna Jentzsch
• Dr Anne-Isabelle Richard
• Dr Cristiana Strava
• Dr Matthew Hoye
• Dr Emily Strange
• Dr Sarah Schrader
• Dr Gerrit Dusseldorp
• Prof. Armin Cuyvers
• Dr Mamadou Hébié
• Dr Abena Amoah
• Dr. Marleen De Meyer
• Prof Léon Buskens
• Suze Kruisheer
• Marc Holtkamp (strategic advisor)
• Maaike Westra (region coordinator)