Stellenbosch University (SU) is deeply committed to advancing knowledge of Africa, in Africa, and for Africa — a principle embedded in our Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019–2024. Our approach to cooperation on the continent is grounded in purposeful, inclusive, and long-term partnerships that strengthen African scholarship, research, and innovation.

Through a wide range of collaborative initiatives, SU works alongside African institutions to address shared challenges and co-create solutions that benefit our communities. These efforts span diverse thematic areas including higher education capacity building, disaster risk reduction, water and food security, and sustainable development.

Some of the key networks and partnerships include:

• PANGeA (Partnership for Africa’s Next Generation of Academics) – fostering collaborative doctoral training and research in the humanities and social sciences.
• Periperi U – building disaster risk reduction capacity in vulnerable African communities.
• SANWATCE – advancing water research through regional academic collaboration.
• RUFORUM – supporting agricultural research and food systems innovation for rural resilience.
• ARUA (African Research Universities Alliance) – strengthening research excellence across the continent, including SU’s leadership as host of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Energy.
• African Doctoral Academy (ADA) – equipping early-career scholars with the skills and support needed for advanced research and academic careers.

These and many other bilateral and multilateral partnerships ensure that SU remains an active, responsive, and engaged African university.

As part of our vision to be an African knowledge hub, SU cultivates bilateral partnerships with fellow higher education institutions across the continent. These agreements open doors to valuable academic exchange, joint research, and staff collaboration opportunities, enriching both SU and our partner institutions. 

Our bilateral partnerships are facilitated and supported by the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at SU International. These relationships reflect our commitment to mutual growth, shared learning, and advancing African scholarship.

Interested in establishing a bilateral agreement with a university in another African country? We’re here to help you explore and formalise meaningful academic cooperation.

Partner with Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU), through SU International and its dedicated Partnership Development Working Group, facilitates the establishment of formal cooperation agreements with higher education institutions and related organisations around the world. These agreements are typically captured in Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or other formal arrangements that support mutually beneficial collaboration.

SU is home to several centres and institutes that are actively engaged in advancing knowledge, capacity, and innovation across the African continent. These initiatives support SU’s commitment to Africa-centred development through education, research, and strategic foresight. 

Below, we highlight three key institutions with a strong continental focus:

Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA)

The CCA, housed within SU International, coordinates the university’s strategic partnerships and collaborative activities across Africa. It plays a central role in nurturing academic connections and facilitating mobility, joint research, and staff exchanges with African higher education institutions.

Centre for Collaboration in Africa – Capacity Development in Africa (CCDA)

The CCDA is dedicated to strengthening the development of emerging scholars across the continent. It does this by linking scholars across borders and creating opportunities for collaborative research and teaching in higher education. The centre contributes to building a robust pipeline of African academics and thought leaders.

The Centre is also home to the Stellenbosch University Unit for International Credentialing​.​

African Doctoral Academy (ADA)

Although the ADA is not a centre but a programme, it supports doctoral education and supervision across Africa. It offers high-level training to doctoral candidates and accredited short courses to academic staff on topics such as postgraduate supervision, research methodology, and academic writing. Through its annual winter and summer schools, the ADA fosters academic excellence and research capacity throughout the continent.

Institute for Futures Research (IFR)

The IFR equips decision-makers and institutions with the tools and insights needed for long-term strategic thinking. Through its African Futures programme, the IFR explores scenarios and strategies to support sustainable development across Africa. Its work helps shape policies, strategies, and actions toward more desirable and inclusive futures for the continent.

These centres ,institutes and programmes reflect SU’s dedication to being a knowledge partner for Africa—supporting progress, innovation, and inclusive development across borders.

To support SU’s commitment to advancing collaboration and research excellence across the African continent, SU International’s Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) and the Division for Research Development (DRD) administer a variety of mobility grants. 

These grants are designed to strengthen partnerships with SU’s African partner institutions and offer valuable opportunities for: 

• Academic staff
• Professional Administrative Support Staff (PASS)
• Postgraduate students 

The Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) proudly hosts a range of annual events that celebrate the continent’s diversity, foster dialogue, and strengthen SU’s connection with its African partners. These events create space for reflection, celebration, and strategic conversations about higher education and development on the continent. 

Africa Day – 25 May 

On Africa Day, Stellenbosch University joins the rest of the continent in commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 — the forerunner to today’s African Union (AU). Activities leading up to and on the day include the Vice-Chancellor’s Africa Day Lecture, as well as various forums, exhibitions, and dialogues. This is a time for SU and its community to celebrate African achievements, reflect on the continent’s journey, and explore shared challenges and opportunities. 

Africa Gala Dinner 

Organised in partnership with the African Students' Board- (AMANI), the Africa Gala Dinner is a cultural highlight on the SU calendar. This vibrant event showcases African cuisine, music, dance and fashion, offering a festive opportunity for the campus community to honour and celebrate the richness of Africa’s heritage. 

African University Day – 12 November 

Established by the Association of African Universities (AAU), African University Day is commemorated by institutions across the continent. At SU, it provides a platform to highlight the role of higher education in Africa’s development, reflect on progress made, and engage with current challenges and future opportunities within African academia.