The African Virtual University is training world-class scientists, technicians, engineers, business managers, health care providers, and other professionals to support economic and social development in Africa. AVU supplements existing university programs with high-quality courses, while introducing new cost-efficient programs. From an initial summer course at Kenyatta University in July 1997, AVU now offers undergraduate and remedial courses as non-credit programs to sixteen universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. By the end of 1998 at least twenty-five universities will be connected to AVU.

AVU's curriculum includes foundation courses in calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, and statistics as well as courses in computers and engineering. Universities in Belgium and Canada are developing French-language seminars in business management, environment, teacher training, and computer and Internet literacy. Recently, a curriculum task force was formed to structure a four-year undergraduate degree program in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering.

To implement AVU, the World Bank has established a small core team supported by international consultants experienced in academia, distance learning, library systems, networking systems, and network operational management. Partner institutions in Africa provide academic, administrative, technical, and student support services as well as the infrastructure needed for AVU operations at the country level. These institutions receive all training and support needed to implement AVU. The World Bank has already donated 950 computers to universities in the AVU network. In addition, Benin, Mauritania, and Niger have just received shipments of Satellite terminal equipment; INTELSAT has provided full satellite capacity since AVU's beginning. The on-line library became operative in June 1998.

AVU has obtained the following resources:

• The World Bank has contributed several million US dollars through its administrative budget and $US250, 000 through INFODEV. Additional funds were received from bilateral donors trust funds ($737,990) and the US Trade Development Agency ($365,000)
• The Africa Region International Development Fund (IDF) has provided a grant of $US1.165 million for site terminals in the anglophone countries, and has already financed site terminals in francophone countries through budgets in IDA Education projects. An additional IDF grant ($464,000) has been approved to cover start-up regional activities.
• The Canadian trust fund, CND has donated $1.5 million Canadian and promised to consider another funding request for FY99.
• The Irish trust fund has contributed 200,000 Irish Pounds and is now discussing continued Irish participation in AVU.
• The European Commission has pledged ECU 1.0 million for AVU through the Lomé Convention Intra-ACP regional funds.
• Portugal is considering a trust fund to create Portuguese language programs.
• The World Bank Development Grant Facility approved $US650,000 for FY98 and pledged $US1.5 million for FY99.

AVU's will try to gain recognition beyond the university through targeted non-credit programs and reach out to the private sector. It will soon develop a plan that outlines its mission, social responsibilities, and business goals.

For information about World Bank work in Africa, click here, or contact Africa Region External Affairs at 1 202 473-4467.

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