Prof. Bernard Ikua has called for African universities to assert themselves as equal partners in global academic collaborations. The don was speaking at the African Collaboration Workshop, a precursor to Stellenbosch University’s Stellenbosch International Academic Network (SIAN) summit.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration and Finance at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) emphasized mutual respect, shared vision, and resource sharing in fostering fair partnerships.

Prof. Ikua highlighted the need for African institutions to reposition themselves to counter donor-driven agendas and external research priorities.

“True partnerships must be based on mutual respect, shared leadership, and co-creation. We must actively shape the research and development agenda in Africa,” said Prof. Ikua.

JKUAT, Prof. Ikua revealed, attained full university status in 1994 and has since fostered impactful collaborations in agriculture, technology, and energy. A notable partnership is the Sustainable Energies, Entrepreneurship, and Development initiative, which includes the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and institutions from Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana.

“These projects succeed because we share a common vision and focus on solving real challenges affecting our communities,” said Prof. Ikua.

He emphasized the importance of flexibility in partnerships, noting that while formal agreements set the foundation, research and development require adaptability.

“We must be open to adjusting our approaches as challenges arise. Partnerships should evolve to meet changing needs and opportunities,” he stated.

He also stressed the need for resource sharing, where institutions pool expertise, facilities, and knowledge to maximize impact.

Prof. Ikua echoed the call for stronger intra-Africa collaborations, urging African universities to leverage their collective strengths and enhance mobility across the continent.

 “We should not only focus on partnerships with the global north. African-led solutions to African challenges must be prioritized to keep research relevant to our local contexts,” he urged.

The workshop reinforced the importance of equitable academic collaborations, with Professor Ikua advocating for models that empower African institutions.