University Alliance has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), strengthening international collaboration between technology‑focused universities in the UK, South Africa and across Africa.
Signed at the University of Westminster on Monday, during the university’s Africa Day celebrations, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing the global contribution of professional and technical higher education.
University Alliance and THENSA both represent universities with a strong mission to deliver industry‑connected teaching, applied research and innovation that respond directly to skills needs and economic priorities. Through closer collaboration, the partnership will help ensure a more connected and influential global voice for professional and technical universities.
The agreement creates new opportunities for joint initiatives in leadership development, doctoral and postgraduate training, and programmes that promote gender equality in technical education and employment. Collaborative funding applications in applied research and innovation will further enable universities to address global challenges through practical, solutions‑focused research.
Vanessa Wilson, Chief Executive of University Alliance, said: “Through shared learning on technology and knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and university‑industry collaboration, this MoU will strengthen the capacity of our respective initiatives.”
Professor Henk de Jager, CEO of THENSA, said: “We are proud to partner with University Alliance, which underscores the importance of deeper collaboration between Africa and the UK in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening the global voice of professional and technology-focused higher education, committed to applied learning, industry-led education, and relevance. Our institutions are well-positioned to advance inclusive innovation and skills development, and accelerate the translation of knowledge into practical solutions that respond to industry, societal and economic needs across Africa, the UK, and beyond”.
