Las Palmas (Canary Islands), May 28, 2026 (SPS) – The second edition of the Bridge to Africa program officially opened on Tuesday at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with the participation of more than 300 attendees, including university rectors, vice rectors, researchers, professors, and specialists in various fields related to scientific research, economics, the environment, education, diplomacy, the green economy, and other areas.
Among the participants was a delegation from the University of Tifariti led by its dean, Moulay Emhamed Ibrahim.
The “Bridge to Africa” program is considered an academic and scientific initiative that promotes dialogue and cooperation between African universities and universities in the Canary Islands, regarded as Europe’s gateway to Africa. The event aims to develop joint future strategies in the fields of knowledge and expertise exchange, address challenges facing the peoples of the region, and establish a shared analysis of key issues related to sustainable development, economic growth, combating unemployment, diseases and epidemics, the optimal use of energy resources, respect for human and peoples’ rights, and the preservation of human dignity.
The opening ceremony was attended by official delegations representing Spanish authorities, including the Director for Africa at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Canary Islands Government, the Mayor of Las Palmas, as well as rectors of public universities in the Canary Islands.
The event was also attended by representatives and rectors of several universities from West African countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, and Ghana, in addition to the rector of the University of Tifariti from Western Sahara.
Roundtable discussions and academic debates are expected to be organized on topics such as education, health, development, international cooperation, identity, customs and traditions, and several other issues.
Alongside the Dean of the University of Tifariti, Mohamed Saeed, representing the university’s external relations department, is also participating in the event.
Related blogs
