African universities need to develop their own robust knowledge of China

By Sharon Dell – Editor. In Africa Analysis, Ross Anthony argues that with increasing support from China for African universities, the continent’s academic leaders need to understand the possible wider effects of China’s lack of academic freedom in terms of their own future policies.
   In Africa Features, Wagdy Sawahel looks at challenges facing the Sudanese government in implementing its new five-year policy to empower students with disabilities, and Edwin Naidu reports on a Johannesburg symposium for university collaboration in a £20 million UK initiative to strengthen academic partnerships and initiatives.
   In News from around the continent, Maina Waruru reports on the Pan African University’s new draft policy document that aims to guide how the continental university will conduct and publish research; Esther Nakkazi writes about a new partnership in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania that will help thousands of graduates to play a dynamic role in solving real-world problems; and Gilbert Nganga reports on a new directive which will see career offices set up in all Kenyan universities by the year end.
   In our World Blog this week, Philip G Altbach and Hans de Wit respond to a commentary in last week’s edition, saying they do not advocate that knowledge production be concentrated in rich countries but rather that it be concentrated in research universities in all countries.
   This is my final Africa edition as editor. Next month, it will be in the capable hands of our new editor Fiona Crooks. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well in the position. More...