Unequal partners. American foundations and universities in Africa

Written by Fabrice Jaumont in the collection Le (bien) commun

At a time when higher education is once again recognized as a driver of economic development, knowledge societies are demanding new skills, making manufacturing-based economies obsolete, and the context in which universities operate is increasing. their precariousness and forces them to adapt to the best, one may wonder what role international philanthropy can play. This book examines the role of American philanthropic foundations and the emerging trends emerging from this historical context, the conditions under which philanthropy can be effective, the dead ends that foundations face regularly, and the contexts in which global philanthropy actors operate today. The book profiles the main foundations investing in African higher education, those with long experience in the sector, and the most recent ones looking for a place. Rather than presenting these foundations as benefactors who have saved higher education on the continent, this study proposes a nuanced vision that seeks to measure their real impact on universities, as well as the "unequal" partnerships that arise when partners have more resources than the other.