On Thursday, 06 February 2025, the Technological Higher Education South Africa (THENSA) and the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA) signed a collaborative agreement that the CEO of THENSA and the Secretary General of ATUPA admitted was long overdue. THENSA is a representative body for technology-focused higher education institutions in South Africa and Africa. The main objective of THENSA is to promote relevant, impactful, and globally competitive qualifications, skills, research, and innovation in partnership with business, industry, and research institutions, both locally and internationally, to ensure a vibrant economy in Africa.
ATUPA, established in 1978, membership demonstrates a well-integrated Association of 248 institutions, which includes technical universities, polytechnics and technical colleges, focused on sound practical training to adequately prepare its graduates for employment through their impressive profile of engineering, technical and business programmes at degree, diploma and professional levels. Members are spread across four regions within the Eastern, Southern/Central and Western Africa regions.
THENSA and ATUPA will take the necessary steps to encourage and promote cooperation in the following areas:
❑ Technology- and Knowledge transfer
❑ Entrepreneurship development, including entrepreneurial education and innovation.
❑ Student and staff exchanges
❑ Joint Funding Applications
❑ Joint projects in Action and Applied Research & Innovation, including projects that promote collaborative research addressing real-world challenges and foster innovation to support technical education, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.
❑ Curriculum Development focusing on capacity building, joint modules & joint degrees
❑ Research cooperation & exchange
❑ Leading practices in cooperative education and industry collaboration to develop students qualified for the future world of work.
❑ Capacity-building programs include promoting gender equality and empowering women in technical education, employment, and development.
❑ Co-creation in upcoming events, e.g., ATUPA 2025 International Conference, THENSA 2025 Colloquium on Green Energy and WFCP Congress in 2026.
Dr Jahou Faal, Secretary General of ATUPA mentioned that “This is an exciting opportunity not just for our member institutions but also for the entire African education landscape. We are confident that this partnership will lead to significant advancements in technical education and create pathways for future innovation. “ Her words were echoed by Prof Henk de Jager, CEO of THENSA, mentioning that “it is an honour for THENSA to partner with ATUPA, a leader in technical higher and further education in Africa. This partnership, supported by the Board of Directors of THENSA, will allow THENSA to enhance our impact within the continent by addressing social and economic challenges and contributing to a vibrant economy in Africa”.