Africa Strategy launched to support Humanities research

07 Mar 2025

The University has marked the launch of its Africa Strategy with a visit to Kenya, strengthening partnerships with researchers tackling global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

A cross-Faculty delegation visited Kenya, including Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, Professor Samuel Hickey, Head of the Global Development Institute (GDI), Professor Keith Brennan, Vice Dean for Internationalisation, and Professor Susanne Shultz, Professor of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Biology.

As part of the trip, the Manchester team engaged with partners in Nairobi and Kisii, where they explored collaborative projects focused on urban development, social justice and food security. These projects reflect the University’s commitment to research that has real-world impact and drives positive change in African communities.

Professor Hickey and colleagues visited Nairobi to see the work of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), a major initiative led by the GDI. The ACRC is addressing key urban challenges, such as inadequate housing, poor infrastructure, and social inequalities, by co-producing solutions with local communities and policymakers.

The delegation also visited the Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT), which is implementing a school feeding programme in informal settlements. The initiative provides nutritious meals to children in Mukuru, improving school attendance and academic performance. University researchers are collaborating with AMT to assess the impact of these interventions and develop sustainable models for expansion. An event marking the launch of the University’s Africa Strategy was attended by key stakeholders in Kenya, including Kenyan government Cabinet Secretaries Dr Deborah Barasa Julius Ogamba.

Africa plays an increasingly important role across the Faculties, with the continent being a focus for teaching, research and social responsibility. Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, said: “This visit to Kenya reinforces our commitment to long-term, equitable partnerships that co-create solutions to global challenges. Through collaboration, we aim to drive research that has meaningful impact on the ground.”

Through its Africa Strategy, the University seeks to deepen its engagement with the continent by fostering research collaborations that address critical issues such as poverty reduction, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Manchester academics are already involved in a range of projects tackling these global challenges.

Professor Margaret Hutchinson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, said: “We will only be able to address many of the shared questions for humanity, as described in the UN SDGs, by working together. The University of Manchester’s strategy clearly lays out its approach to co-developing and co-creating research, and we are delighted to be one of their partners.”

As we move into our third century, the Africa Strategy places the continent at the heart of our vision for a more sustainable and equitable global future.

To find out more, please visit the Global Health pages and watch the University’s new Africa film.