The GINTL network’s activities as a nationally funded network have ended, but Haaga-Helia continues the work of the Africa network established during the GINTL programme period.
Haaga-Helia has engaged eight African universities in its Africa network. These institutions are interested in designing and developing research-based solutions as well as conducting research collaboration related to global challenges in learning and teaching. The network’s activities focus particularly on the following areas: cooperation between higher education and working life, entrepreneurship studies in higher education, innovations in higher education pedagogy, sustainability in higher education teaching, development of teaching quality, and leadership in higher education teaching.
Joint meetings have been organised with partner institutions to engage in dialogue, explore collaboration opportunities, and identify members’ expectations regarding the initiative. The themes, wishes, and perspectives raised in these meetings have formed the basis for various initiatives and projects aimed at advancing teaching and learning.
Within the network, a collaborative project titled Digital Pedagogy as Capacity Building for Sustainability Agents in South Africa (DIPSU) was launched in autumn 2025. In addition to Haaga-Helia, the project involves Tampere University, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Johannesburg. The project focuses on digital pedagogy and strengthening sustainability competencies in South Africa.
The following higher education institutions are currently involved in Haaga-Helia’s Africa network: University of Mpumalanga, Vaal University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, and Walter Sisulu University.
Pedagogical experts in the network include, among others, Crister Nyberg, Director of Haaga-Helia School of Professional Teacher Education, and Principal Lecturer Päivi Aarreniemi-Jokipelto.
