By Shawn Kimuli

KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU), East Africa’s leading private university, proudly took its place among the continent’s top institutions at this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Universities Summit. Held in Kigali, Rwanda from 18–20 March 2025, the summit brought together cross-continental partners from higher education, industry, policy, and civil society to tackle the greatest challenges and opportunities facing African higher education and broader society.

KIU was represented by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ngoma Muhammed, who delivered profound remarks emphasizing the future of education, international collaborations, and the university’s commitment to research-driven solutions. “This summit is a vital platform to explore developments in higher education and sustainability, and KIU is proud to be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s future,” stated Professor Muhammad.

The prestigious summit, themed "United Leadership: Harnessing African Education for Sustainable Growth," convened over 350 delegates and featured more than 100 thought leaders and changemakers from Africa and beyond. Discussions spanned key topics such as equitable partnerships, sustainability, digital transformation, and enhancing research for employability. KIU stood out for its focus on international collaboration, positioning itself at the forefront of interdisciplinary research and innovation in the region. According to Professor Ngoma, “KIU’s education agenda is driven by a firm belief in harnessing research and global partnerships to prepare our students for the evolving demands of the future workforce.”

This participation comes at a time when KIU is celebrating 25 years of exploring the heights in education, a milestone that further underscores the university’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The agenda also included two data masterclasses, unpacking the methodology behind the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025 and the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. These rankings spotlight universities that excel in interdisciplinary research and assess institutions against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, respectively.

KIU's participation at the summit underscores its growing influence as a beacon of academic excellence, international cooperation, and sustainable development in higher education. As Africa's education landscape continues to evolve, KIU remains committed to shaping a brighter future through research-driven solutions and cross-continental partnerships.