Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
THE 2025 Southern African Universities Association (SARUA) annual conference started in Lusaka, Zambia today, amid hopes that the platform will address the challenges and needs facing the higher education sector within the SADC region.
Harare Institute of Technology Vice Chancellor and chairperson of SARUA, Professor Quinton Kanhukamwe, said the conference will provide regional universities with a platform to strengthen collaboration and a shared vision.
“Our strength lies in our connection, and in our ability to come together across institutions, countries, and sectors to build a resilient, inclusive, and impactful higher education ecosystem,” he said at the opening of the conference.
“This conference is a crucial part of SARUA’s mission. It is an opportunity to strengthen cross-sector collaboration between universities, governments, civil society, and industry—and to deepen the regional integration that is so vital to our collective future. Through dialogue and knowledge-sharing, we foster understanding, trust, and action.”
SARUA is an association of public and private higher education institutions in the SADC region.
The conference is being held under the theme: “Innovating higher education for sustainable development across the SADC: Innovation for impact.”
SARUA is committed to empowering the regional higher education sector to contribute positively to socio-economic and environmental development.
The organisation aims to be a dynamic and inclusive peer-led network that facilitates sustainable, evidence-based higher education impact in the SADC region.
“We are here to engage in meaningful conversations about digital transformation, quality assurance, and the role of higher education leadership as agents of change,” Prof Kanhukamwe said.
“And most importantly, we are here to build and renew the relationships that will carry us forward long after this event ends.”
At the conference, there will be discussions, showcasing of research outputs and networking with various stakeholders.
