UoN and Stellenbosch University to Deepen Strategic Partnerships to Advance African Solutions
Monday, 9th June 2025: The University of Nairobi hosted a high-level delegation from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in an engagement aimed at strengthening long-standing academic and research ties between the two institutions. The visiting delegation was led by Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. The visit forms part of Stellenbosch University’s new approach to strengthening its internationalisation agenda under the banner, “In Africa, With Africa, For Africa”. According to Prof. Ramjugernath, this deliberate undertaking will bring together Africa’s leading universities to form strong alliances for addressing the continent’s challenges.
Prof. Deresh was accompanied during the visit by Dr. Nico Elema (Director, Centre for Collaboration in Africa), Ms. Karen Bruns (Senior Director, Development and Alumni Relations), and Mr. Ferdi van Dyk (Alumni Participation Manager).
Representing the University of Nairobi were: Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Development, Prof. Jackson Maalu, accompanied by senior scholars and researchers including Prof. Jennifer Muchiri (Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts), Prof. Peterson Magutu (Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences), Prof. Anne Aseey (Vice-Chairperson, University of Nairobi Alumni Association), Prof. Julius Mwabora (Univer4sity of Nairobi Alumni Association), Dr. Michael Wangai (Director, Quality Assurance), and Prof. Peter Wasamba, and Dr. Norbert Basweti from the department of Literature among others.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment by the two institutions to equitable, African-led partnerships rooted in academic excellence, innovation, and the push for societal transformation.
During the meeting, the two universities celebrated many years of cooperation during which over 80 individuals from the University of Nairobi have acquired PhD qualifications from Stellenbosch University. This partnership, particularly through the Graduate School and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), illustrates the joint approach to pursuing research-driven solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“We are grateful that Stellenbosch University is championing the Africanisation of knowledge. African problems will be solved by Africans, and this partnership is vital to that mission.” - Prof. Jackson Maalu, DVC, University of Nairobi
“Our aim is to form equitable partnerships and deepen collaboration with institutions like UoN that share our vision of advancing societal impact through academic excellence.” -Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, Vic-Chancellor, Stellenbosch University
Discussions also focused on the potential for further collaboration under an expanded agreement. The priority areas for collaboration include joint academic programmes, collaborative research, quality assurance, student and staff mobility, and benchmarking among others. There was special emphasis on interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainability, climate change, innovation and entrepreneurship, postgraduate supervision, and commercialization of research outputs.
Further opportunities were explored in alumni engagement, short courses, policy research, capacity building, and co-creation of solutions in public sector leadership and digital transformation. These initiatives will be driven by a shared vision to expand Africa’s research agenda and harness higher education as a catalyst for social change.
The University of Nairobi reiterated its commitment to internationalization with Stellenbosch University as a key ally in advancing the pursuit of this objective. The dialogue also highlighted the importance of South–South and trilateral (South–South–North) partnerships in shaping thought leadership and delivering homegrown solutions across the continent.
Supported by their aligned visions and institutional commitment, the University of Nairobi and Stellenbosch University are positioned to deepen their collaboration by implementing impactful programmes and transformative research that will uplift communities and drive Africa’s progress.
