Nouakchott Round Table: Mauritanian and Nigerien Universities Chart Their Path Toward Internationalization

From July 14 to 17, 2025, the University of Nouakchott hosted the first partner meeting in Africa in the framework of the GOOD MAUR-NIG project. The event also marked the completion of Work Package 3 on capacity building and the official launch of Work Package 4, focused on steering internationalization activities.

In addition to the project teams directly involved, some sessions of the round table also welcomed additional participants from the University of Nouakchott and LIU who are engaged in specific themes such as mobility programs.

Over four days, participants exchanged ideas on the creation and organization of international relations offices, which have become an essential tool for structuring international activities within universities.

The shared goal: strengthening staff skills, plan actions, and implement concrete initiatives that promote greater openness to the international sphere.

Discussions focused on the presentation of the internationalization office structures. Each university shared its plan outlining the missions, services, and priorities of these new units. Together, the institutions explored operational models suited to their resources and contexts, while drawing on the expertise of their European partners.

Each institution also presented a preliminary draft of its specifications, defining objectives, performance indicators, and logistical and financial resources for the coming year. These roadmaps will serve as the foundation for implementing and monitoring international activities under Work Package 4. European partners are providing direct support to help the universities define concrete and realistic strategies tailored to their needs.

Internationalization activities planned within the project, including mobility programs and infodays, were the focus of a dedicated session to begin their organization immediately.

Participants at the round table also had the opportunity to visit LIU’s facilities in Nouakchott and meet with various deans and department heads from the University to discuss the project and the institution’s internationalization efforts.