A global collaboration between UCT and Bryant University

The University of Cape Town and Bryant University formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 January 2026, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing global collaboration in education, research, innovation and leadership development.

The online signing ceremony, brought together senior leadership from both institutions, alongside key partners and stakeholders, symbolising a shared commitment to building meaningful academic partnerships across continents . Opening the ceremony, Mr Strive Masiyiwa, global business leader and alumnus family representative, set the stage by emphasising the importance of collaboration between universities at a time when the world faces increasing fragmentation and division. He highlighted the role of higher education institutions in shaping future-ready graduates and fostering cooperation across cultures and regions.

In his opening remarks, Professor Mosa Moshabela, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, reflected on the journey that led to the signing of the MoU, noting that the partnership was built on strong personal relationships, shared priorities and aligned institutional values. He described the agreement not merely as a ceremonial milestone, but as a strategic signal of intent to develop collaborative programmes that deliver impact beyond campus boundaries. Professor Moshabela emphasised the strong alignment between UCT and Bryant University in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership development, experiential learning and expressed optimism about future collaboration in student mobility, academic exchange, research, teaching and innovation. 

Representing Bryant University, President Ross Gittell conveyed his institution’s enthusiasm and gratitude for the partnership, describing the MoU as a timely and significant milestone. He underscored the importance of global partnerships in enhancing student learning, faculty collaboration and shared institutional growth, particularly in an increasingly complex global context. President Gittell highlighted Bryant University’s focus on business and leadership education, entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence across its curriculum. He emphasised that while technological advancement is critical, the partnership places equal importance on human values, ethical leadership and empathy, principles that both institutions share.

Mr Masiyiwa provided an industry and leadership perspective on the value of the partnership, particularly within the African context. He spoke about the growing role of artificial intelligence on the continent and highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding access to computing infrastructure for African higher education institutions. He welcomed the collaboration between UCT and Bryant University as both timely and impactful, noting that African industry stands ready to support and absorb the next generation of globally minded graduates that such partnerships help to nurture .

Both institutions expressed optimism that the partnership will grow in depth and substance over time, creating opportunities that benefit students, staff and the broader global community. As UCT continues to expand its global footprint, this partnership with Bryant University represents a meaningful step toward strengthening international collaboration, advancing knowledge exchange and preparing graduates to lead with purpose in an interconnected world.