A report of a 1981 conference on improving teaching and learning in higher education sponsored by the German Foundation for International Development is presented. Topics include the following: problems of higher education specific to Africa and the Federal Republic of Germany, common problems, approaches to dealing with problems, units for higher education and staff development within the Federal Republic of Germany, concepts and practical examples for improving teaching and learning in developing countries, evaluation of the conference, and follow-up activities of the conference. Specific problems within the African countries are related to curricula that do not integrate the actual needs of the countries and unfavorable framing conditions for teaching and learning (e.g., big classes). The main problems within Germany and the European countries are caused by the recession. Common problems between Africa and Europe include different rewards for teaching and research. Different approaches to staff development programs in Germany are considered. For example, the unit in the Kassel/Witzenhausen focuses on the improvement of qualifications for teaching, research, and administration with the reintegration of participants from developing countries. The units in Gottingen and Berlin are also described, along with the the activities of the Frankfurt and Hamburg institutions. Practical approaches to improving learning were considered partly on the basis of the study tour. Follow-up activities include a workshop about improving teaching and learning and a newsletter on higher education in Africa. Excerpts from conference papers are appended. (SW)