On January 23, 2025, the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and Ardhi University (ARU) convened a high-level management meeting at ARU to further operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Signed in 2022, the MoU strengthens collaboration between the two institutions, enhancing research and capacity building in public health and urban development. Discussions, led by Ifakara’s Ibrahim Msuya and ARU’s Dr. Atupelye Komba, focused on academic programs, research, and innovation.

Development of Master’s Programs and joint PhD supervision

Recognizing the growing demand for expertise in data science and urban health, Ifakara and ARU explored the development of joint Master’s programs focused on public health and data science. They also acknowledged the need for additional programs in critical fields that shape public health and urban development.

In parallel, both institutions discussed frameworks for joint PhD supervision, aiming to enhance academic research and mentorship. This initiative will provide PhD students with access to a diverse pool of expertise, resources, and research networks, ensuring high-quality and impactful research outcomes.

Advancing the urban health agenda

In research, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to advancing urban health. Discussions explored ongoing initiatives, potential collaborations, knowledge exchange, and joint funding opportunities to drive impactful projects. The Urban Health Agenda—focused on the physical and social factors shaping community well-being and quality of life—remained a key priority.

Innovation

Innovation was a key focus of the discussions. Masoud Mnonji, Director of the Ifakara Innovation Hub, highlighted the hub’s role in potentially supporting ARU students’ groundbreaking ideas, particularly those with commercial potential.

The hub could provide incubation support, helping student-led innovations progress from concept to market. Dr. Masanja acknowledged the challenges of commercialization, noting it is "not so easy," but stressed the need for structured support to turn ideas into impactful solutions.

Meeting attendees

Representing ARU at the meeting were Prof. Evaristo Liwa, the Vice Chancellor; Prof. John Lupala, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Consultancy (DVC ARC); and Prof. Ally Namangaya, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration (DVC PFA). Also in attendance were Dr. Yasin Senkondo, Director of Postgraduate Studies; Dr. Atupelye Komba, Head of Links; Ms. Olivia Maboko, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor; and Ms. Catherine Kilinda, Head of Communication and Marketing.

On Ifakara’s side were the Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanja; Dr. Ally Olotu, Director of Science; Mr. Raphael Laizer, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Kafuruki Shubis, Head of Training and Capacity Building; Ibrahim Msuya, Architect and Research Scientist; and Masoud Mnonji, Director of the Ifakara Innovation Hub.

A Perfect Partnership

In closing, Dr. Masanja reiterated Ifakara’s commitment to deepening the partnership with ARU and advancing shared goals in urban health and capacity development. He expressed confidence that the collaboration will continue to produce meaningful outcomes that will positively impact communities and strengthen the institutions' collective contributions to public health and research excellence.

Prof. Liwa also thanked all participants and organizers for their collective efforts, emphasizing the significance of the collaboration. He described it as a valuable opportunity for a "mindset change" among ARU staff and a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Prof. Liwa extended his thanks to Ifakara, reaffirming ARU’s full support for initiatives that will ensure the continued success of the partnership, with strong backing from ARU management.