Experts at the Africa Universities Summit, hosted by Times Higher Education (THE) in Kigali on March 19, 2025, urged African universities to prioritize strategic partnerships aimed at advancing research, innovation, and academic excellence.
Higher education leaders emphasized that collaboration is crucial for universities to succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment. Former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, and George Okeyo, Director of Academics at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, urged institutions to foster inter-university cooperation. The discussion was moderated by THE’s Regional Director for Africa, Tristan Horlick.
In an interactive session, participants explored the complexities involved in institutional collaborations. Chris Miyake from Nigeria’s National Universities Commission noted that many partnerships fail due to unclear goals.
“Most institutions enter partnerships without a clear vision of expected outcomes. It’s crucial to have clarity of intention to ensure sustainability,” Miyake explained. He emphasized the importance of trust-building mechanisms for effective relationship management.
Panelists agreed, stressing that trust must be integral to every collaboration. One speaker highlighted the need to define clear pillars, such as research, teaching, and professional development, to align expectations and cultivate stronger ties. They also suggested that early engagement with partner institutions is essential to better understand compatibility and shared objectives.
Successful collaboration models encouraged
Okeyo pointed to Carnegie Mellon University Africa’s success in fostering industry-academia partnerships through the AfriTech Network. “Our initiative, the Tech Skills Marketplace, connects students with startups for internships, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem,” he shared.
However, Okeyo acknowledged the challenges many African universities face in terms of institutional capacity. “Effective support systems for research and business incubation are key for partnerships to yield tangible results,” he noted.
Louis Adekola, a university strategy consultant, raised concerns about the growing trend of Transnational Education (TNE). He emphasized that many African university leaders lack a deep understanding of the model, which could hinder its effective implementation.
“If institutions don’t grasp the fundamentals, they won’t be able to ask the right questions or make informed decisions,” Adekola warned, citing India’s gradual approach as an example.
A panelist acknowledged these knowledge gaps but pointed to initiatives like joint degree programs that enable African and foreign universities to collaborate on curriculum development and certification. Regulatory bodies such as Nigeria’s NUC are also working to help universities adapt to the changing educational landscape.
Empowering young academics to gain recognition
Adekola also highlighted the challenges faced by young African professionals in gaining recognition for their work. “Brilliant young Africans are making significant contributions, yet without strong networks or institutional backing, their efforts often go unnoticed,” he noted.
Panelists urged young scholars to persist, leverage digital platforms, and showcase their work. “Recognition follows impact. Keep solving problems, share your work widely, and use platforms like social media to highlight your contributions,” one panelist advised.
Experts urged African universities to strengthen collaboration by utilizing existing platforms, such as the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), rather than creating redundant structures. They also stressed the importance of establishing new networks where gaps exist, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence in agriculture.
Adebayo cautioned against ineffective partnerships, remarking that many universities sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that never come to fruition. “These agreements often end up gathering dust. Universities must ensure that collaborations remain dynamic, with clear objectives and accountability mechanisms,” he asserted.
Ensuring the sustainability of research and innovation partnerships
Speakers highlighted successful initiatives, such as the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), as examples of how research collaborations can be strengthened. The Education Collaborative by Ashesi University was also praised for bringing African university leaders together to improve higher education standards.
Adebayo likened academic partnerships to a tree’s survival, stating, “A tree doesn’t move, yet it thrives by collaborating with the sun, soil, and rain. Similarly, institutions must actively seek collaborations to flourish.”
As the summit progresses, experts stress that sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships are critical to driving innovation and economic development in African higher education. “We cannot be self-sufficient in isolation,” Adebayo concluded. “Collaboration is the only way forward.”
