IREX and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing a strategic partnership to advance African-led research and strengthen higher education institutions across the continent. The agreement, signed on October 29, 2025, outlines a commitment to collaborate on shared priorities to strengthen research administration, harness universities’ role in advancing climate solutions, and support HEIs in navigating opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence (AI).

“IREX believes deeply in the pivotal role universities should play in advancing national and regional development priorities,” said Aleksander Dardeli, President and CEO of IREX, in a letter commemorating the occasion. “We see great opportunities for this partnership to deepen our joint commitment to higher education leadership and talent development, and to center universities in collective efforts to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world and support climate resilience.”

The MOU builds on nearly a decade of collaboration between IREX and ARUA institutions. Since 2016, IREX has supported more than 100 research managers from ARUA member universities to strengthen research administration systems through its University Administration Support Program (UASP) Research Management Fellowship, supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Examples of UASP alumni impacts include creation of new functional units to support sponsored research, academic and grants writing and technology transfer, development of new policies to promote research dissemination and manage intellectual property, initiation of communities of practice that promote African scholarship and research management excellence, and the introduction of digital tools that streamline grants administration and enable data-driven decision-making.

The MOU signing took place during the ARUA 2025 Biennial Conference in Kampala, Uganda, where IREX convened 50 UASP alumni to reflect on their contributions and chart future collaboration. 

Under the agreement, IREX and ARUA will jointly pursue funding opportunities to scale initiatives aligned with their shared goals. The partnership will also promote the exchange of tools, resources, and best practices to enhance Africa-led research capacity and international competitiveness.

As IREX looks toward its Ambition 2040 strategy, the organization is doubling down on its commitment to co-design solutions, secure investments, and collaborate in delivery. This MOU marks a significant step forward in that journey, reinforcing the power of partnership to unlock the potential of African universities and drive lasting impact for communities and future generations.