The Durban University of Technology (DUT), through its Business School, has marked the beginning of the year with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Livingstonia (UNILIA) in Malawi, strengthening international academic collaboration.
The agreement aims to foster and develop a mutually beneficial and meaningful relationship between DUT and UNILIA. It seeks to facilitate cooperation and collaboration in academic activities, foster mutual understanding, promote friendly cooperation, and encourage sustainable and productive academic collaboration, including the exchange of students and research through integrated learning programmes.
The MOU was signed by Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships at DUT, and Professor Timothy Kabulunga Nyasulu, Vice Chancellor (VC) at the University of Livingstonia (UNILIA).
The relationship was formalised during a recent virtual meeting, where officials from the two institutions discussed areas of mutual interest and strategic collaboration. The discussions focused on establishing a structured partnership framework that would enable academic, research, and capacity-building collaboration.
DUT Business School’s Head of Research and Innovation, Professor Simphiwe Nojiyeza.
The DUT representatives were led by DUT Business School’s Head of Research and Innovation Professor Simphiwe Nojiyeza and Ms Phumzile Xulu from the DUT Community Engagement Office, while Ms Mary Sibande Kumwanje, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Livingstonia, led the UNILIA delegation.
Prof Nojiyeza shared the intended outcomes of the partnership and outlined its key cooperation areas, which include: academic collaborations such as joint programmes and knowledge exchange; research collaboration; joint projects in areas of mutual interest; staff and student development through exchange programmes, training, and capacity-building initiatives; engagement in conferences, seminars, and other scholarly or professional activities; and the exploration of opportunities that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
“The partnership aims to enhance DUT’s and the DUT Business School’s international footprint, strengthen academic and research capacity, and create meaningful opportunities for staff and students,” said Prof Nojiyeza.
He mentioned that the key expected outcomes include improved knowledge exchange, increased collaborative research outputs, which will contribute to institutional growth, relevance, and impact, while supporting DUT Business School’s strategic objectives around innovation, global engagement, and skills development.
The MOU will be effective for a period of three years and can be renewed further, subject to mutual agreement by both institutions.
For both institutions and relevant stakeholders, the collaborative work is already underway, with key activities identified and timelines in place.
Highlights include both institutions participating in committees organising the Climate Change Conference scheduled for February 2026 in Durban, South Africa.
The DUT Business School, Mzuzu University, and UNILIA (Malawi) will also co-host joint community engagement events. A community engagement event scheduled to take place in Tamale, Northern Ghana serves as a preparation for the Climate Change Conference 2026.
The partnership also focuses on strengthening the adaptive capacity of local African states, targeting Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In addition, DUT and its partners have submitted a funding application under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) to the Japanese Government.
A Disaster Prevention and Mitigation project across the same four African countries is also set to be implemented, reflecting the institutions’ commitment to sustainable development and regional resilience.
Pictured: DUT Business School’s Head of Research and Innovation, Professor Simphiwe Nojiyeza during his visit at the University of Livingstonia (UNILIA) in Malawi.
Thulasizwe Nkomo
