As part of the development of Warwick’s strategy with Africa, a delegation is currently visiting potential partner universities and attending network meetings to better define our next steps in the region.

Warwick is taking this opportunity to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Stellenbosch University by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement. Stellenbosch University is a leading university in Africa, with whom we already collaborate both in research and education. The MoU will be the basis to develop more joint activities for the benefit of our staff and students.

Members of the Warwick delegation will also visit Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). NUST is the premier technological university in Namibia and has a reputation for knowledge creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship development. This visit aims to continue discussions that took place between NUST’s Vice Chancellor Dr Erold Naomab and Warwick’s VC Professor Stuart Croft when Dr Naomab visited Warwick in June 2022 for the launch of the Warwick Africa Hub.

Professors Dan Branch, Franklyn Lisk, Mike Shipman and Sally Smith with

Professor Hester Klopper and Ms Sarah van der Westhuizen

The delegation will participate in meetings between The Guild of European Research-Intensive UniversitiesLink opens in a new window, of which Warwick is a member, and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA)Link opens in a new window which are taking place in South Africa. These networks want to intensify their partnership by exploring the possibility of creating multi-institutional research partnerships (Clusters of Excellence) based on the principles of equity and inclusiveness and for mutual benefit. This initiative is at the forefront of the African Union and the European Union’s vision, as expressed in the EU-AU Innovation Agenda.

Professor Mike Shipman said “We are excited to be developing our African strategy and exploring opportunities with African partners. Signing an MoU to further collaborations with Stellenbosch, and visiting NUST, form a key part of developing our strategy. The Guild-ARUA meetings will provide an excellent platform for discussing collaboration with other outstanding African universities.”

The summit in Cape Town of members of ARUA and The Guild brought over 30 university leaders from across Africa and Europe together to reflect on how to develop new types of institutional partnerships that will build long-term research capacity in African universities. Read The Guild's press releaseLink opens in a new window