The HSRC, in collaboration with several African academic institutions, social partners and Dutch universities, is fostering scientific collaboration between Africa and the Netherlands. This partnership is enhancing research opportunities for African PhD students, including three from South Africa, who have been selected to conduct research in the Netherlands. They are part of the Graduate Research on Worldwide Challenges (GROW) Programme, which focuses on finding solutions to pressing United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). By Thokozani Simelane, Emmanuel Ojo, Thulisile Mphambukeli, Roel Kamerling and Lia van Wesenbeeck.