The African Virtual University (AVU) www.avu.org is currently implementing its Multinational Project II across borders and language barriers in 21 countries and 27 universities. Funded by the African Development Bank, the new project builds on the success of a first phase that was implemented in 10 countries and 12 universities. The Multinational project II has the following activities: installation/ upgrading of open distance and eLearning centres; review/development and delivery of 3 ICT integrated programs, teacher education, computer science and Peace and conflict resolution; open educational resources; training of training on eLearning skills; research & development with a focus on mobile learning; gender mainstreaming; technical advice on distance and eLearning policies and strategies. This paper shares the success of the first phase of the project (2005-2011), the lessons learnt, and the collaborative approach and methodology used in the second phase to be implemented between 2012 and 2016.