Ƶ

It’s Time for Africa! Ƶ Aims to Expand Outreach in African Continent

March 03, 2025

Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Atia Adjani


Ƶ (Ƶ) is setting its sights on expanding academic and international partnership in African continent. This ambition was reinforced during the visit of His Excellency Ardian Wicaksono, Indonesian Ambassador to Senegal, to Ƶ’s campus in Depok City, West Java, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Ambassador Wicaksono was warmly welcomed by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, Secretary of the University, Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, Vice-Rector for Finance and Business Development, Prof. Amsal Bakhtiar, Director of Research and International Collaborations, Dr. Saiful Umam, and Deans Prof. Dian Masyita and Prof. Nina Nurmila. 

Together, the ambassador and Ƶ officials explored ways to strengthen Ƶ’s engagement with Africa, tapping into its vast potential for educational and professional partnerships. During the discussion, Ambassador Wicaksono emphasized the importance of fostering deeper connections between Ƶ and various stakeholders in Africa.

“This is a great opportunity for Ƶ to establish cooperation in Africa. I see many possibilities for capacity-building partnerships. If Ƶ is willing to forge relationships with institutions there, I would be more than happy to facilitate these connections,” said Ambassador Wicaksono.

The discussion highlighted key opportunities such as connecting Ƶ students with Indonesian embassies in Africa, and establishing networks to attract prospective African students. Additionally, hosting joint seminars and workshops emerged as a promising idea for collaboration, along with efforts to strengthen University-to-University (U-to-U) partnerships for research and educational development. 

Located in Dakar, the embassy’s jurisdiction accredited not only to Senegal, but also The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, and Cabo Verde. “Not only for eight countries under my diplomatic jurisdiction, but I can cooperate with nearby Indonesian embassies accredited for Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique,” Ambassador Wicaksono said.

Currently, Ƶ has established partnership with at least 29 international institutions including those from Africa’s Egypt and Kingdom of Morocco. The university is hosting 203 international students coming from 40 foreign countries including those in Africa. 

With Ƶ’s commitment to global engagement, the prospect of expanding its footprint in Africa marks a significant step forward. As discussions continue, Ƶ is optimistic that these new pathways will not only enhance opportunities for African students but also contribute to a broader academic and cultural exchange between Indonesia and the African countries.