This expanded role has never been more vital. In an era marked by rapid geopolitical shifts and complex transboundary challenges, science diplomacy has emerged as an essential bridge between knowledge generation and informed decision-making. As Stellenbosch University International (SUI) evolves beyond its traditional mandate of coordinating student and staff exchanges and mobility programs, the Center for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) has been navigating its way into creating direct pathways from researcher to policymaker to implementation to advance the role of universities within the policy and governance space. Through the AUDA-NEPAD Southern African Network of Water Centers of Excellence (SANWATCE) Secretariat , which coordinates 20 partner universities across Southern Africa in water research, SANWATCE represents a formidable knowledge network addressing one of the region's most pressing challenges.

Under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Water Division, with support from Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWP-SA) and GIZ; SANWATCE was entrusted with reviewing the SADC Water Research Agenda's (SWRA I) decade-long implementation (2015-2025) and formulating recommendations for its second edition spanning 2025-2035. The SWRA  represents an agenda aimed to advance water security and resilience in the SADC’s region through evidence-based research that informs policy, strengthens institutional capacity, and catalyses sustainable water resource management practices aligned with regional development

Throughout 2025, the Secretariat's expertise has not only been limited to only reviewing the past decades water research inventory but the team has also been sought at pivotal regional forums to engage with various stakeholders such as researchers, implementing partners, decision makers, investors and field specialists, within the sector. From the Resource Mobilisation Workshop in Zambia to SADCs Multi-stakeholder Dialogue in Lesotho , SANWATCE has consistently articulated the research capacities and strengths and illuminating critical gaps in the water sector necessary to inform policy discourse.

This mandate does not stand alone in the diversified internationalisation engaments of the CCA. Through the ACEWater III project, which is now in it third cycle, the integration of research outputs with policy imperatives runs deeper still. Project activities carried out by partner institutions align with national policies and continental vision frameworks. This alignment has earned formal recognition from the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW), which commended SANWATCE's contributions to advancing continental understanding and management of natural resources—validation that academic work is translating into tangible governance impact.

Perhaps most inspiring though is how this institutional framework has created transformative opportunities for emerging scholars. In August (13-15) SANWATCE was invited and facilitated student participation in the AU-AIP African Water Investment Summit as part of the G20 critical dialogues where the Stellenbosch cohort took first place in the Youth Innovation Hackathon a feat commended by the South African department of water and sanitation ministry. 

This dynamic model of internationalization demonstrates that universities need not choose between local relevance and global engagement. By positioning itself as secretariat, convenor, and knowledge broker, a progressive and profoundly impactful internationalization strategy can be pursued.

The path forward is clear: universities must embrace their roles as diplomatic actors, policy informants, and regional convenors. Through these initiatives the CCA is laying a foundation to live out the ideals of being a leading university in and for the continent.