Event Objective

The Erasmus+ Alumni Network Conference, held at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, aimed to promote EU mobility opportunities, strengthen ties between African and European alumni, and showcase the positive impact of mobility experiences on academic and professional development. Aligned with the EU’s "Global Gateway" initiative to foster sustainable cooperation between Europe and Africa, the event brought together key stakeholders in higher education and youth development.

On the eve of the conference, Erasmus+ alumni gathered for a friendly dinner where they shared their experiences and strengthened the family spirit of the Erasmus+ community. This informal moment fostered deeper connections and solidarity among former scholars. 

Participants and Audience 

A total of 113 participants attended the conference—18 ASAF members, 90 students and young professionals, and five special guests including institutional representatives and researchers. The audience included African and European Erasmus+ alumni, students, young professionals, and institutional stakeholders.

Opening Ceremony 

The conference began with an opening session moderated by Prof. Moussa Sagna, Prof. Aboubacry Kane, and Ms. Harmonie Koutsivitis from the EU Delegation. They underscored the significance of the Global Gateway initiative and its €300 billion investment strategy, with 26% allocated to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Alumni Network Presentations 

The presidents of ASAF and OCEANS introduced their respective alumni networks, sharing their history, mission, and ongoing initiatives. 

Panel Discussions

• Panel A – Global Gateway and EU-Africa Relations: This session showcased the EU's investments in Senegal’s infrastructure, including 142 electric buses and health initiatives like the Institut Pasteur’s “Care” programme. 

• Panel B – Erasmus+, MOBAF, and Mobility Projects: Ms. Ilaria Marra presented EU educational funding opportunities, while Mr. Pape Ibnou NDiaye and Mr. Ablayé Ngom encouraged institutions to form consortia to apply for Erasmus+ and Intra-Africa projects. 

• Alumni Session: Alumni including Alexandre Zoumman (Intra-Africa), Nada Joumar (Erasmus+ ICM), Nosra Metheni (Erasmus Mundus), and Leila Benabdallah (career development) provided practical advice on applying for EU mobility programmes. 

• Panel D – Personal Experiences: highlighted powerful personal stories from Erasmus+ alumni, including Mme Codja Marie Michèle on cultural exchange through mobility, Mme Bérenice Tcheti on the challenges of studying abroad, and Mme Marième WADE on reintegration and resilience post-mobility—showcasing how these experiences foster personal growth, adaptability, and long-term success. 

Closing and Impact Summary

ASAF President Dr. Nelly Shaky-Hagan delivered the closing speech, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration among alumni. The event reinforced key messages: Erasmus+ and similar EU programmes have a transformative effect on the careers of African youth; alumni play a crucial role in strengthening EU-Africa relations; and access to information, mentorship, and inspiring testimonials is vital to increasing African participation in mobility opportunities. The conference significantly enhanced the visibility of Erasmus+ and Intra-Africa scholarships, with media coverage from Le Dakarois TV, IRA TV, and Facebook. Additional media partners included Le Soleil, La Voix d'Afrique, and Fall TV, among others, significantly amplifying the conference’s visibility and outreach. It also showcased strong inter-network alumni collaboration, affirming the sentiment: “When you become an EU scholar, you become part of a family.” 

Morocco, Marrakech 03/05/2025
Nada Joumar (nada.joumar@asaf.africa)
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team