Training on the Digitalization of Bioethics Education in Sub-Saharan Africa
From June 22 to 30, 2026, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) organized, as part of the ETHISSA project co-funded by the European Union, a training program focused on the digitization of educational programs. This initiative helped strengthen the partner institutions’ skills in designing and implementing online courses in bioethics.
As part of the ETHISSA project—Structuring Bioethics in Sub-Saharan Africa, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program’s “Capacity Building in Higher Education” action—the AUF organized a training session titled “Digitization of Training Programs.” The training took place at the AUF’s Francophone Digital Campus (CNF) in Cotonou, Benin, and was delivered by the AUF’s Francophone Institute for Distance Education (IFIC).
Strengthening the Capacities of Partner Institutions
In light of the challenges posed by the digital transformation of higher education, this initiative aimed to support the consortium’s member institutions in designing, structuring, and implementing online courses in bioethics. By building the capacity of project partners in this field, this initiative contributes to the development of accessible, innovative training programs tailored to the contexts and needs of learners in sub-Saharan Africa.
Two representatives from each of the consortium’s member institutions participated in this 48-hour training program:
- University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin)
- Comlan Alfred Quenum Regional Institute of Public Health in Ouidah (Benin)
- African Institute of Bioethics (Cameroon)
- University of Douala (Cameroon)
- University of Dschang (Cameroon)
- Alassane Ouattara University (Ivory Coast)
- Félix Houphouët-Boigny University (Ivory Coast)
A Practice-Oriented Pedagogical Approach
Built around a resolutely practical approach, the training program relied on active and participatory teaching methods, structured into four modules:
- Designing online training courses
- Design and production of digital educational resources
- Development of online learning and assessment activities
- Supporting and monitoring distance learners
Upon completion of the training, participants received a digital certificate certified and authenticated using blockchain technology, guaranteeing the reliability, traceability, and international recognition of the skills acquired.
Through this initiative, the AUF reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the capacity of French-speaking higher education institutions and promoting innovative, inclusive training programs tailored to contemporary challenges.
Co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are, however, solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held liable for them.
Source: www.auf.org/
