UCT Explores Collaborative Opportunities with the Dominican Republic

The University of Cape Town (UCT) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in South Africa to explore potential academic collaborations. The delegation, led by Her Excellency Erika Álvarez Rodríguez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, included Mr. Samir A. Sansur Rosario, Counsellor for Commercial, Investment, and Tourism Affairs, and Mr. Pedro Gomez, Diplomatic Official.

The Dominican Republic delegation engaged with a distinguished UCT team comprising Professor Mosa Moshabela, Vice-Chancellor; Quinton Johnson, PhD, Director of the International Office, Dr Linda Mtwisha, Executive Director of the Research Office an Ms Libo Msengana-Bam, Executive Director of the Communications & Marketing Department. The discussions focused on expanding academic cooperation, fostering student and faculty exchanges and identifying opportunities for joint research between UCT and Dominican Republic institutions.

Ambassador Álvarez Rodríguez expressed her strong belief in the potential for mutually beneficial collaborations between higher education institutions in both countries. The meeting explored key areas for academic exchange, research initiatives and innovative partnerships that would enhance the global learning experience for students from both regions. Additionally, UCT has established collaborations with two universities in the Dominican Republic—Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña and the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. These partnerships have primarily focused on clinical and health-related research, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical fields.

As a leading institution on the African continent, UCT remains committed to fostering international collaborations that support knowledge sharing, innovation and global impact. Furthermore, the visit marked an important step toward strengthening ties with Dominican Republic institutions, paving the way for enhanced research collaborations, student mobility programmes and cross-border academic initiatives.

Both UCT and the Embassy of the Dominican Republic look forward to furthering discussions and implementing projects that will contribute to academic excellence and knowledge exchange.