AASGON Launches 10,000+ India-Africa Scholarships to Advance Educational Equity in the Global South
In a bold step toward addressing educational inequality and strengthening South–South cooperation, the Africa Asia Scholars Global Network (AASGON) officially launched its Global South Education Fund (EDFUND) during a landmark event at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on March 25, 2025. The initiative introduces over 10,000 fully-funded India–Africa scholarship awards, aimed at empowering academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students across the African continent.
The comprehensive scholarship program, which includes more than 400 diverse academic courses, will be 100% tuition-free for eligible students from underserved communities. The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers that hinder access to quality higher education for Africa’s promising youth, nurturing a new generation of changemakers who can drive social and economic transformation across the Global South.
Diplomatic Endorsement and Strategic Vision
The initiative was launched under the visionary leadership of Abdul Dewale Mohammed, Founder and Group Executive President of AASGON, a signatory to the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and member of the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD). Speaking at the launch, he emphasized:
“Education is not a privilege but a fundamental right—and an unparalleled force for breaking cycles of poverty. Through these 10,000+ scholarships, we aim to equip Africa’s future leaders with the tools to uplift their communities and contribute globally.”
The scholarship program aligns with India’s broader foreign policy vision for the Global South under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has included key milestones such as:
- India’s role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G20.
- The establishment of the India–UN Development Partnership Fund (2017) to support SDGs.
- The successful hosting of the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit in August 2024.
These efforts underscore India’s sustained commitment to inclusive global development, which AASGON has cited as a catalyst for deepening Indo-African cooperation.
Eligibility and Impact
Scholarship applications will open mid-May 2025 and close in October 2025. All African nationals, both within the continent and in the diaspora, are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a genuine need for financial assistance.
As part of AASGON’s long-term strategy, the initiative will expand access to higher education in underserved regions, reinforcing the organization’s mission to promote inclusive growth and leadership capacity in Africa.
Diplomatic Engagement and Future Milestones
Following the launch, Abdul Dewale Mohammed visited the South African High Commission in India, where he expressed appreciation for the diplomatic mission’s participation in the event. He was joined by:
- Prof. Anoop Swarup, Secretary-General of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP)
- Brijesh Mathur, Secretary-General of AASGON
During the meeting, Abdul highlighted plans for the GSUA 2025 Summit, Awards, and Expo, scheduled to take place from 18th to 20th July at the House of Lords, the UK Parliament, and the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London. He also revealed intentions to extend an official invitation to President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa as the Chief Guest.
Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Cedrick Charles Crowley praised AASGON’s initiative, stating it represents a valuable step toward building sustainable academic and professional partnerships that empower both current and future generations across the Global South.
For further details or application support, prospective students and institutions can contact AASGON via WhatsApp at: +44 7443 950254 | +44 7931 919878 | +91 98712 27760
This announcement reaffirms AASGON’s commitment to bridging educational gaps and reinforces India’s strategic role as a development partner for Africa—a theme of growing significance in diplomatic and policy circles, and one keenly observed by Diplomat Today Magazine.
