Our University Plays a Leading Role in Social Innovation Education in East Africa through the ADVANCE Project

Our university is the Coordinator of the International Project for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in East Africa /ADVANCE/ – Capacity Building in Higher Education" which is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. The project has a duration of three years and brings together 10 partner organizations, including seven universities – two in Uganda, two in Tanzania, and three in Europe – as well as three non-governmental and business organizations.

The major objective of ADVANCE project is to promote the development of social innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa by creating an innovative postgraduate educational programme on a competency-based approach and experiential learning and services. The project responds to the necessity of closer links between the higher education and the social challenges in the region by preparing young entrepreneurs and leaders, supporting their successful career transition, and engaging universities as active participants in social change. The programme will be implemented in four universities in Uganda and Tanzania: Busitema University, Lira University, Mzumbe University, and Mkwawa University College of Education.

Among the main project activities are the development of key products such as a social entrepreneur competency profile outlining the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes; a joint postgraduate training programme with methodological guidelines; a quality system; and manuals for lecturers and mentors. Specialized centers for training in social innovation and entrepreneurship are being created in African universities, providing a space for collaboration between the students, the mentors, and the local organizations.

The project will include webinars and workshops for the exchange of experience and knowledge between the partners, meetings with stakeholders in Uganda and Tanzania, international boot camps and social innovation competitions, information campaigns, and scientific conferences.

The UNWE plays a key role in the strategic planning and operational management of the project, coordinating the activities of all partners, developing training materials, and organizing training seminars for academic and administrative staff. This partnership provides the University with an opportunity to expand its international presence, contribute to sustainable development in East Africa, and establish long-lasting relationships with educational and business organizations in the region.