The African Union Commission and the University of South Africa sign cooperation agreement

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13th October 2014 – The African Union Commission and the University of South Africa (UNISA) have signed ground-breaking and unprecedented cooperation agreement, providing a framework and bases for collaboration between the AUC and UNISA. The cooperation covers research support and coordination for the development and implementation of Africa’s Agenda 2063 through practical programmes in different areas.

The cooperation agreement was signed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, HE Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Vice Chancellor/Principal of the University of South Africa, Professor Mandla Makhanya. The signing took place at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday 13th October, 2014.

The agreement serves as the base to various joint platforms on capacity building and research in the areas of governance, agriculture, land and environment, women and children, communication, education and training, economic development, astrophysics, genocide studies, investment in people and institutional development.

UNISA, the largest university in Africa and in the Southern Hemisphere with a continental and global footprint, already has an impressive record of Africa-focused initiatives that include the training of election management officials and commissioners from African countries. In addition, UNISA has academic programmes targeted to young Africans.

The Chairperson of the African Commission, Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted the importance of cooperation of this nature, as the vision of a prosperous and integrated Africa cannot be achieved without the support from academic institutions, working together with the private sector and the government. The agreement is a long term partnership and commitment to galvanize the bright potential of the continent.

Contacts:
University of South Africa
Mohamed Shaik
Executive Director of Corporate Communication and Marketing, University of South Africa
Email: shaikm@unisa.ac.za,

African Union Commission (in Addis Ababa):
Habiba Mejri-cheikh
Director |Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 518 2578 | E-mail: HabibaM@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

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