Sweden - West Africa Network for Education and Research Exchange (SWANEX)
Short description
This is an initiative where Wexsus coordinates a collaborative initiative between four universities in Nigeria, Ghana and Sweden to jointly develop a research and education programme and to lay the platform for a long-term exchange.
West Africa
West Africa comprises 15 countries and it is anticipated that this region will experience a growth upswing. Numerous countries work towards expanding their "blue economy" - a multifaceted industry centered around ocean-related activities such as sustainable tourism, port development, and renewable energy. Wexsus aims to support knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and sustainable development in the region.
SWANEX
SWANEX is a co-operation between four universities in Nigeria, Ghana and Sweden coordinated by Wexsus to develop a collaborative research and education programme and to lay the platform for a long-term exchange. This initiative started in the end of 2022 by Global Sustainable Futures (GSF). GSF was merged into Wexsus on 1 January 2024.
Partners and their contributions
- Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden (Air quality expertise)
- University of Gothenburg, Sweden (Air quality and education expertise)
- University of Cape Coast, Ghana (Child health expertise and student exchange)
- University of Lagos, Nigeria (Urban development expertise and student exchange)
- Wexsus (Coordinates the setup of the collaborative program. Plans and facilitates meetings and workshops. Supports applications for funding of next steps.)
Thematic objectives
To explore fields of mutual interest, starting from the urban nexus of
- air quality
- children’s health issues related to air pollution
- and urban design and housing.
A component of community learning about sustainability will be added.
To explore whether a transdisciplinary and comparative approach would be useful and add value. Evaluate bottom-up, engaging with people, civil society organisations (for example, community groups in various types of urban settlements, urban planners and policymakers).
To identify relevant sources of funding and prepare grant applications for the development of a joint project, including the four universities, aiming at contributing to solutions and a just transition towards more sustainable paths of development.
To include and develop participation of students, master students and PhD candidates as well as opportunities for postdoctoral fellows in future collaborative programme and projects.
