Symmetrical Capacity-Building Challenges for THEPs

One of the paramount obstacles to the development and implementation of symmetrical transnational higher-education partnerships is the inability of one or more partners to provide the requisite leadership and support (Botchwey 2004, p. 104). To surmount these obstacles, most collaborative research and sustainable-development undertakings must incorporate capacity-building components. In the African context, symmetrical-capacity building for THEP purposes can be understood as “a [multidirectional] process by which individuals, groups, organizations [including Northern institutions] and societies enhance their abilities to identify and meet development challenges in a sustainable manner” (DAC 2007, p. 61).