OSWEGO, N.Y. — The State University of New York sent a delegation to Africa in mid-July as part of the SUNY Africa Initiative — a system-wide effort to deepen strategic educational, economic and cultural partnerships across the continent.

Led by SUNY Oswego President Peter Nwosu, the group traveled to Kenya, Rwanda, and Nwosu’s homeland of Nigeria, the school said in its announcement.

The two-week journey included visits to Nairobi, Kigali, and Lagos, “aiming to bolster SUNY’s presence in Africa” by advancing academic collaborations, student recruitment, study-abroad opportunities, joint research initiatives, and workforce development.

The trip’s key goals included formalizing new university partnerships through memoranda of understanding, along with hosting student recruitment and alumni-engagement events.

The goals also included exploring collaborations in technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and cultural industries, as well as supporting U.S. visa success pathways for African students seeking a SUNY education.

Another goal was “elevating SUNY’s global brand, initially, in four high-growth African markets,” SUNY Oswego said.

“This was a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore prospects in rapidly emerging regions with large, youthful populations eager for international education and global opportunities,” Nwosu said. “Returning to my homeland and visiting other places to share stories of success and the opportunities available through SUNY and Oswego was deeply meaningful. Meeting so many bright students, dedicated teachers, and welcoming administrators and officials made the experience unforgettable.”

On the visit, Nwosu was joined by key administrators, including Melur Ramasubramanian, SUNY Provost, executive vice chancellor of academic affairs and president of the SUNY Research Foundation; SUNY Polytechnic Institute President Winston Oluwole (Wole) Soboyejo; and SUNY Fredonia President Stephen Kolison Jr.

Joshua McKeown, SUNY Oswego’s associate provost for international education, was part of the delegation, the school noted.

The visit builds on a strategic white paper to SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr., co-authored by Presidents Nwosu and Soboyejo, articulating a “comprehensive vision” for the State University of New York’s expanded engagement in Africa and its contribution to New York’s global competitiveness, SUNY Oswego said.