Warwick and Stellenbosch Forge Strategic Global Partnership

The University of Warwick and Stellenbosch University (SU) have formally affirmed a comprehensive and strategic partnership that will broaden the reach, impact, and network of both institutions, within their respective regions and globally.

A high-level delegation from Warwick, led by Professor Stuart Croft, visited SU's Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses to meet with senior management, including SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Deresh Ramjugernath and Council chair, Dr Nicky Newton-King.

The senior leadership teams agreed the “joint programme of action" that will guide collaboration between the North-South institutions over the next five years. High on the agenda were discussions about the two universities' shared values, their overlapping networks and the identification of opportunities to leverage each other to bolster their social and global impact.

The meetings were a key moment in the University’s Africa Strategy, delivered by the Warwick Africa Hub, reinforcing Warwick’s commitment to developing deep, strategic relationships across the African continent and reaffirming its place as a truly global university.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of Warwick, said: “This partnership with Stellenbosch University represents more than collaboration, it is a deep and enduring commitment to shaping the future of global higher education through inclusive, values-driven engagement. As two institutions rooted in excellence, and guided by a shared sense of purpose, we are building bridges of research, innovation, and education that will have lasting impact across our regions and beyond.”

Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, outlined various programmes that benefit from international exchanges. She referred to the funding challenges caused by the cancelling of USA supported research funds and the impact this would have on work being done in Africa. “This means that we are looking to partner with other institutions especially in health-related research, and in areas such as TB, HIV and genomics."

Already there is extensive collaboration at undergraduate, postgraduate, post-doctoral and senior researcher levels. The second round of seed funding applications – financial support for researchers and professional staff at SU and Warwick to establish new links and advance existing collaborations – has just closed and the successful projects will soon be announced.

Building on the engagement that started more than three years ago, the two universities will now shift their focus to thinking strategically about the value each can offer. Given SU's involvement in the Africa Research University Alliance (ARUA), an Africa-wide research network that aims to strengthen research on the continent and improve postgraduate training, for example, SU is well-placed to serve as a hub on the continent, observed Moyo.

The ability to collaborate through networks such as ARUA and the Eutopia University Alliance, allows for a unique, multilateral partnership, said Sarah van der Westhuizen, SU's Director: Centre for Global Engagement, which is part of SU International.

Professor Dan Branch, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Africa) at Warwick said, “This partnership enhances our shared capacity to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing higher education and society across our institutions and wider communities. By combining our networks, expertise, and shared vision, Warwick and Stellenbosch are uniquely positioned to drive inclusive research and innovation that delivers meaningful change in both Africa and Europe.”

Looking forward, the two delegations have agreed on the expansion of the seed fund programme to support 10 projects annually, the organisation of an annual Stellenbosch-Warwick Symposium, ongoing support for collaborative funding, and the exploration of a possible international research culture network bringing in additional partners to build research networks across the world.

This event demonstrates the Warwick Africa Hub's dedication to building equitable partnerships through the exchange of knowledge, collaborative research, and inclusive education. Africa is undergoing a remarkable period of economic and social transformation, with higher education playing a key role. By deepening our understanding of our partners' priorities and development needs, the Warwick Africa Hub is fostering collaborations based on principles of mutually beneficial engagement.

For more information about these initiatives or to explore study and research opportunities with Warwick, please visit the Warwick Africa Hub websiteLink opens in a new window.

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About the Warwick Africa Hub
The Warwick Africa Hub was established in 2022 to focus on advancing new research ideas unconstrained by disciplinary boundaries and innovative education initiatives. Our ambition is for collaborations that extend beyond universities.
We have strong cross-cultural relationships with individuals and institutions across sub-Saharan Africa. Our new collaborations are driving global change.