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Université Côte d’Azur strengthens its cooperation with Senegal

Sustainable Development
International
Partnerships

Published on January 14, 2026 – Updated on January 14, 2026

As part of its strategy for cooperation with countries in the Global South and its efforts to support public policy, a delegation from Université Côte d'Azur visited Senegal on a mission from December 13 to 18, 2025.

The delegation was composed of Professor Cécile Sabourault (Vice President of International Development and Europe) and Professor Julien Andrieu (Director of EUR Society & Environment), as well as Djibril Dieng (European Project Engineer and Senegalese Partnership Coordinator).

Université Côte d’Azur, partner of Senegalese parliamentarians for the environment

Following on from the actions carried out by Université Côte d'Azur during UNOC3 in Nice in June 2025, and the discussions held on that occasion with Senegalese parliamentarians, the University responded to the invitation from the Network of Parliamentarians for Environmental Protection in Senegal. On December 17, 2025, at the Hôtel des Députés in Dakar, the Network organized an awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing workshop on environmental issues and tools for evaluating environmental policies.

Scientific expertise at the service of public policy

During the workshop, Cécile Sabourault (ECOSEAS laboratory) led a conference on the establishment of marine protected areas in environmental policies worldwide. Julien Andrieu (ESPACE laboratory) spoke about mangrove reforestation projects in Senegal.

The discussions also benefited from contributions from Aïda Diongue-Niang, climatologist and meteorologist, Director of Meteorology atANACIM and Vice-Chair of Working Group 1 of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), as well as Matthieu Vignal, Senior Lecturer at Avignon University (ESPACE laboratory).

The day provided an opportunity for direct dialogue with Senegalese parliamentarians on the implementation and evaluation of public policies to combat the effects of climate change and preserve marine ecosystems, as well as to answer their many questions by drawing on the expertise and research carried out at ECOSEAS and ESPACE.

High-level meetings for Université Côte d'Azur's actions in scientific cooperation and hosting Senegalese students

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The delegation had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Alioune Sall, Senegalese Minister of Digital Affairs, to discuss the digital transition in Africa. The minister agreed to be the keynote speaker at the Africa Session of the next Digital Week organized at Université Côte d'Azur by the International and European Development Department from June 22 to 26, 2026.

Strengthening academic cooperation and welcoming international students from Senegal to Université Côte d'Azur

A strategic meeting was held with Mr. Amadou Cherif Diouf, Minister Secretary of State in charge of Senegalese nationals abroad. This meeting provided an opportunity to address issues related to welcoming international students and strengthening cooperation between Université Côte d'Azur and Senegalese universities, particularly in the areas of higher education, research, and innovation.

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Structuring cooperation with Senegalese universities: signing of inter-institutional mobility agreements

The other objective of this mission was to conduct institutional visits to three strategic Senegalese partner institutions:

Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar (UCAD)
Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis (UGB)
Assane Seck University in Ziguinchor (UASZ)

These three universities are partner institutions in the Erasmus+ international mobility program funded by the European Commission and led by Université Côte d'Azur. The signing of these mobility agreements is an essential step in structuring our cooperation in Senegal and the culmination of several years of joint work with our local partners, in particular the IRD.
Mobility is an essential strategic lever for strengthening academic and scientific cooperation, promoting the circulation of skills, knowledge, and teaching practices, supporting staff skills development through training and teaching mobility, and offering students opportunities for structured mobility, contributing to their employability and international outlook.

Visit to UCAD

Signing at UGB

Signing at UASZ

Constructive discussions with the presidents, vice-rectors, and international relations departments of partner institutions

Beyond the official signings, courtesy visits provided an opportunity to exchange views with the presidents, vice-rectors, and international relations departments of partner institutions in order to identify concrete and sustainable areas of cooperation in the fields of training, research, digital transformation, and scientific diplomacy.
These agreements are fully in line with Université Côte d'Azur's strategy of developing balanced partnerships with countries in the Global South, based on co-construction, reciprocity, and societal and scientific impact.

Visit to the University Institute for Research and Action on Education, Family, Health, and Gender