University and industry partnerships in Africa are becoming increasingly crucial for fostering well-paying jobs, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting innovative research. This trend is highlighted by a recent study examining the agricultural faculties of eight universities across Eastern, Northern, and Western Africa. The study, titled “Unlocking the Potential of University-Industry Collaborations in African Higher Education: A Comprehensive Examination of Agricultural Faculties,” was published in the journal Industry and Higher Education on 12 May 2024. It was co-authored by Maria Sassi, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Pavia University in Italy, and Patience Mshenga, an associate professor of agribusiness management at Egerton University in Kenya.
Study Overview
The researchers explored the benefits and challenges of integrating industrial aspects into African agricultural higher education through case studies from eight universities. These universities include the University of Abomey-Calavi and the National University of Agriculture in Benin, Egerton University and Pwani University in Kenya, Gulu University and Uganda Martyrs University in Uganda, and Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine Hassan II.
Evolving Role of Universities
The study is part of the AgriENGAGE project, which aims to enhance agri-entrepreneurship and community engagement training in East, West, and North Africa. Supported by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, this three-year project emphasizes that universities are evolving from mere centers of knowledge transfer to catalysts for skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Sassi and Mshenga argue that universities must now nurture skills essential for societal progress, while industries seek a workforce with relevant, up-to-date skills. The universities selected for the study have shown a commitment to fostering linkages between academia and industry through practices such as internships, research collaborations, curriculum development, technology transfer, networking, mentoring, and the involvement of guest lecturers and experts.
Diverse Institutional Goals
The study found that each university has distinct priorities and goals. For example, the University of Abomey-Calavi, Egerton University, Gulu University, and Uganda Martyrs University prioritize the employability of their graduates through practical training opportunities. In contrast, Pwani University and Mohammed VI Polytechnic view university-industry linkages as avenues for networking and career development.
Moreover, universities like Egerton, Gulu, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic emphasize community outreach, especially in agricultural entrepreneurship. Gulu University stands out with its public relations office dedicated to linking the university with the community, while Mohammed VI Polytechnic leverages digital platforms for outreach.
Stages of Development
Universities in Africa are at various stages of developing industry partnerships and community outreach programs. Sassi and Mshenga describe this as an inverted pyramid, with sustainable scientific and technical cooperation and the hiring of talented graduates still in their infancy. However, research interactions with industry are becoming more common, and field attachments, internships, joint supervision, curriculum development, and guest lectures are widespread across the universities studied.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, several challenges hinder the development of robust university-industry linkages. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa lack the capacity to support university research and innovation. Additionally, there is often a lack of budget allocation for research within the industrial sector, and universities themselves face limited funding for research, restricting resources for joint projects.
The issue of intellectual property rights in collaborative research also poses a challenge, with industries concerned about protecting their innovations. Segun Ogunwale, co-founder and CEO of Bridgia, a Nigerian start-up, emphasizes the need for assurances of market advantages resulting from joint research.
Recommendations for Improvement
To overcome these challenges, Sassi and Mshenga recommend adopting the N-tuple Helix Model, which promotes cooperation among universities, industry, and government. This model ensures that university-industry linkages go beyond mere alternative avenues for universities and become integral to their mission.
Professor John Ssebuwufu, former vice-chancellor of Makerere University, notes that while some universities benefit from industry partnerships through commissioned research, equipment, and scholarships, few have captured significant financial gains. Ogunwale and Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu argue that linkage agreements need specific deliverables to result in tangible outcomes.
Despite the shortcomings, Sassi and Mshenga highlight the growing number of university-industry linkages and their benefits, including increased government support, growing research demand, and international assistance. Many students have gained entrepreneurial skills through internships and field attachments.
Conclusion
The development of university-industry linkages in Africa is a complex and evolving process. Limited public and private funding for research remains a significant obstacle. Universities must assess the practical skills their students acquire from industry partners to ensure they are prepared for well-paying jobs. Strategic foresight, adaptability, and effective management are crucial for navigating the opportunities and threats of such partnerships.
Overall, while challenges persist, the potential for university-industry collaborations in Africa to drive societal progress and economic development remains significant.
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