The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) signed a memorandum of Understanding with The Aga Khan University (AKU) with the main objectives of exploring complementary research, institutional development, and capacity building toward respective missions.

The signing Ceremony took place at the NM-AIST Board Room on 16th February 2023 and was witnessed by NM-AIST Head of Legal Unit Advocate Matthias Safari.

Speaking during the Ceremony the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics, Research and Innovation Prof. Antony Mshandete on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Luoga said that, the NM-AIST is looking forward working with AKU for the betterment of society as the partnership between them adheres to NM-AIST motto which is Academia for Society and Industry.

“ the uniqueness of our university is five D business modes to achieve social economic transformation through research and innovation,” said Prof. Mshandete.

On his side, The Aga Khan Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Carl Amrhein said that it requires partnerships like this in responding to global problems that require the creation and nurturing of partnerships by building links across borders and boundaries of all kinds between the public and private sectors; between cultures, countries, and continents; between disciplines and industries.

“I’m happy to say that this partnership is a two-way street. Knowledge is flowing from Nelson Mandela to AKU and vice-versa through sharing AKU Arusha campus land that enables researchers to investigate several important questions” said Dr. Carl Amrhein.

The Memorandum of Understanding between NM-AIST and AKU focus on collaboration with making AKU land available to NM-AIST for research, establishing a long-term mutually beneficial relationship linking natural resources and the environment with human and to co-design and co-develop research, training, and community engagement activities.