The overwhelming response of applicants to MASTET calls is a direct consequence of the effective communication and visibility strategy of the MASTET project. In the first-cohort admissions, for example, there were 440 applicants for 24 mobilities — a ratio of approximately 18.3 applicants per available place.

The communication and visibility strategy is anchored on three pillars:

• Early development of the project website:
  The MASTET website was designed and deployed as early as April 2020, providing a dedicated online presence for the project and its activities.
• Online application portal:
  The online application portal, embedded in the project website, was continuously updated in subsequent cohorts. This enabled applicants from across Africa to apply easily, regardless of their location.
• Transmission of promotional material on social media platforms:
  In every round of admissions, posters were designed and widely shared on various social media platforms to ensure maximum visibility and outreach.

An example of such a poster, used in the first-cohort admissions, is shown below:

View First-Cohort Promotional Poster (PDF)