THENSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) on 9 June 2026. The agreement aims to strengthen, promote, and advance collaboration in education, training, research, development and innovation, founded on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.
Among the key areas of cooperation agreed upon by both parties is a commitment to respecting the unique higher education systems and educational approaches within each jurisdiction. The partnership seeks to enhance the learning experiences of students and staff, enrich faculty development, and advance higher education across Africa. Through strengthened collaboration in science, technology and innovation, the cooperation is also expected to support inclusive and sustainable development while contributing to the continent’s socio-economic growth in a rapidly changing world.
“As THENSA, we are delighted to formalise this partnership with SARUA and look forward to working closely together in advancing higher education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship across the African continent,” says Professor Henk de Jager, CEO at THENSA. “This MoU reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, capacity building, and creating meaningful impact for our institutions and students. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Professor Stephen Simukanga, Executive Director of SARUA, said the partnership aligns strongly with SARUA’s commitment to strengthening regional integration and building more responsive and future-focused higher education systems across Southern Africa. “Partnerships such as this are essential for creating stronger linkages between higher education, innovation, and socio-economic development. By working together, we can help foster more connected institutional ecosystems that enhance collaboration, support skills development and contribute to Africa’s long-term resilience and competitiveness.”
The MoU’s areas of cooperation will focus on:
- Technology- and knowledge transfer
- Entrepreneurship development, including entrepreneurial education and innovation.
- Joint funding applications
- Joint projects in Action and Applied Research & Innovation, including projects that promote collaborative research addressing real-world challenges and foster innovation to support technical education, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.
- Curriculum development focusing on capacity building, joint modules & joint degrees
- Research cooperation & exchange
- Leading practices in cooperative education and industry collaboration to develop students qualified for the future world of work.
- Capacity-building programmes include promoting gender equality and empowering women in technical education, employment, and development.
- Co-creation in upcoming events.
This MoU is expected to remain in effect for five years from the date of signing and may be extended for a further period as agreed in writing by the parties.
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About THENSA:
THENSA is a catalyst consortium that supports member institutions through technology focused teaching and learning, applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, enabling societal transformation. THENSA is a representative body for technology-focused higher education institutions in South Africa and Africa. THENSA currently has eleven (11) members which includes six (6) South African Universities of Technology, three (3) South African comprehensive Universities, and two (2) associate members. (https://thensa.co.za).
About SARUA:
SARUA is a membership-based organisation representing higher education institutions across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). We are committed to advancing higher education through policy advocacy, innovation and collaboration. With almost 100 members across the district, SARUA’s core focus is on strengthening regional networks, building institutional capacity and fostering communities of practice to address shared challenges and opportunities in the sector. (https://sarua.africa/)
