Gulbenkian Foundation: Transforming Health and Arts in Africa
Health research, high-level education, and the vibrant world of the arts form the strategic foundation of the Gulbenkian Foundation’s expanding partnerships across Portuguese-speaking Africa (PALOP). As the foundation prepares to mark its 70th anniversary on July 18, its leadership highlights a unique model of development based on political independence and long-term trust.
Independence as a Catalyst for Growth
Hermínia Cabral, Director of the Gulbenkian Partnerships for Development Program, believes the Foundation’s private status is its greatest asset. Speaking to Lusa, she noted that while diplomatic relations between governments can fluctuate, Gulbenkian remains a steady presence. “The issue of independence from the State is vital,” Cabral explained. “When relations between States are not fluid, we face no obstacles. We can remain effective partners and continue attending to local and regional projects.”
This independence allows the Foundation to build dense networks of expertise, connecting local institutions with global knowledge and equipment. Their work spans a critical spectrum: from battling infectious diseases and cancer to training primary school teachers and providing master’s scholarships for university students.
Revolutionizing Cancer Care in Mozambique
One of the Foundation’s most striking success stories is the ‘Onco-Invest’ project in Mozambique. Funded alongside Camões I.P., the initiative focuses on strengthening oncology care at Maputo Central Hospital. The results have been life-saving.
“A study published in The Oncologist revealed that in Mozambique, the implementation of multidisciplinary breast cancer consultations led to a staggering 53% decrease in patient mortality,” Cabral said. Beyond oncology, the Foundation remains deeply involved in improving clinical practices for malaria, HIV-1 transmission, and pediatric health, fostering cooperation between hospitals and research centers across the PALOP region.
Boosting the STEM Pipeline
In the realm of education, the Foundation is making a concerted push into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The focus is on creating a “sustainable pipeline” of talent, particularly in Angola and Cape Verde.
The impact is already visible in the numbers. “In Angola, we are about to double the number of doctorates in mathematics,” Cabral noted. In Cape Verde, a new focus on mathematics saw a local university course fill all 25 vacancies in its first phase—a milestone for a subject that previously struggled to attract students. Every year, the Foundation awards approximately 20 new scholarships for master’s and doctoral degrees to maintain this momentum.
Cultivating the Arts
The third pillar of the Foundation’s work focuses on the “DNA” of the organization: the arts. By supporting mobility, curatorship, and artistic residencies, Gulbenkian acts as a bridge for emerging African talent to reach the global stage.
Recognizing that not all artists can travel, the Foundation brings international excellence to Africa through masterclasses. Upcoming projects include workshops led by acclaimed Mozambican choreographer Idio Chichava, sessions with Guinea-Bissau’s ‘Netos de Bandim’ cultural group, and playwriting courses at Angola’s Elinga Teatro.
“It might seem like a small number of participants—usually 10 to 15 per project—but these artists get the chance to share the stage with leading international figures for two weeks,” Cabral emphasized. “We believe we are making a real difference.”
Image: Pexels – Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
