Higher education leaders from across Southern Africa are gathered today, 21 May 2025, at the University of Lusaka’s Silverset Campus to kick off the 2025 Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) Conference, a pivotal event committed to transforming higher education for sustainable development across the region.
In his opening address, Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) Board Chair and HIT Vice Chancellor Professor Quinton Chamunorwa Kanhukamwe, emphasised the vital role universities play as engines of innovation and pillars of progress.
“This conference is more than an assembly; it is a reaffirmation of our collective vision—to position higher education as a catalyst for regional transformation, resilience, and inclusive growth,” he declared.
Prof Kanhukamwe reaffirmed SARUA’s shared commitment to a collective vision. “A vision in which universities are leaders of transformation, engines of innovation, and pillars of sustainable development across Southern Africa,” he said.
Themed “Innovating Higher Education for Sustainable Development Across the SADC: Innovation for Impact,” the conference aims to foster cross-sector collaboration among universities, governments, civil society, and industry. With over 100 abstracts received and 84 papers selected for presentation, the event showcases the region’s rich intellectual vitality and commitment to addressing pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
“This conference’s theme calls upon us to rethink how we lead, teach, research, and serve our communities. It challenges us to move beyond institutional silos and national boundaries, and to embrace a regional identity that is united by purpose and empowered by institutional leadership,” said Prof Kanhukamwe.
He added that higher education plays a critical role in shaping the future of our economies, our societies, and our democracies. “We also know that the challenges we face—social justice for all, climate change, youth unemployment, inequality, digital disruption—are too large, too complex, and too interconnected for any one institution or country to tackle alone. That is why this conference matters. That is why SARUA matters,” the HIT Vice Chancellor said.
Distinguished guests included Zambia’s Ministry of Education officials, Vice Chancellors from leading regional universities, representatives from the SADC Secretariat, UNESCO, and other development partners. The gathering also features insights on digital transformation, quality assurance, and leadership strategies aimed at empowering future-ready institutions.
“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen regional ties, share best practices, and forge innovative partnerships,” said Professor Stephen Simukanga, SARUA’s Interim Executive Director. “Our strength lies in our collective effort to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable higher education ecosystem.”
As the conference progresses, participants are expected to engage in meaningful dialogues that will shape policies and initiatives vital to the region’s development. The event underscores SARUA’s commitment to regional integration, leadership development, and collaborative solutions to shared challenges.
Closing the opening remarks, Professor Kanhukamwe called on all attendees to be bold, generous, and united in their efforts to lead transformative change. “Together, let us innovate, lead, and build a brighter future for higher education across Southern Africa.”
The 2025 SARUA Conference continues through the week, promising a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and impactful action toward sustainable development in the region.
