Transforming Higher Education in Africa through University-Industry Collaboration

Abstract

University-industry collaboration entails a mutually beneficial and well-defined relationship between a university and an industry to achieve results in partnership. The present study sought to investigate the potential of university-industry collaboration on university education and the preparation of students for the labour market in the context of African higher education. The study’s objectives were to (1) identify the different types of university-industry partnerships, (2) examine the contribution of university-industry linkages, and (3) explore the strategies for promoting and strengthening university-industry cooperation. The study used a case study design and a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through key informant interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that effective collaboration between the university and industry has the potential of reducing the problem of a mismatch of supply and demand of labour force and skills. University-industry collaborations are key for students’ skills development for the labour market and effective innovation systems. The study recommends organised and formalised collaboration between the university and the industrial sector to achieve success in partnerships through research, knowledge exchange, and innovation.