The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO), through its Global Learning Programmes (GLP) unit, recently welcomed a delegation from Strathmore University in Kenya for the inaugural Public Policy and Leadership in Africa Programme.

The customised executive programme marked an important milestone for IAPO as the GLP’s first collaboration with an institution in Kenya, further extending UCT’s engagement with higher education partners across Africa.

Seven executive participants from various organisations in Kenya took part in the week-long programme and were accompanied by three staff members from Strathmore University. The programme was academically led by Professor Divine Fuh, the director of UCT’s Institute for Humanities in Africa; and Daniel Munene, a senior lecturer in the Education Development Unit in UCT’s Faculty of Commerce.

Learning beyond the classroom

Designed to combine academic engagement with experiential learning, the programme provided participants with an opportunity to explore key public policy, leadership, economic and social issues within the South African context. The week began with a focus on legislative systems and policy frameworks in South Africa, complemented by an immersive experience incorporating Parliament and the Cape Town City Hall. Participants also explored land management and the wine-growing value chain, with the classroom component followed by a visit to a wine farm. The experience provided an opportunity to connect academic discussions with the practical realities of land use and an important South African economic value chain.

The programme further examined trade and industrial policy, followed by a visit to the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce, where participants gained knowledge about the relationship between policy and the broader business environment. A session on social and cultural policy preceded a heritage tour around the city. The final academic component introduced participants to design thinking, where they were encouraged to find different approaches to understanding and responding to complex challenges.

Strengthening African connections

The collaboration with Strathmore University reflects the role of UCT’s International Office in creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between UCT and institutions across the continent. Through customised programmes such as this, the GLP brings together academic expertise and experiential learning to provide participants with opportunities to engage with UCT while exploring Cape Town and the country.

As the first GLP collaboration with an institution in Kenya, the Public Policy and Leadership in Africa Programme represents an important step in building connections between UCT and Strathmore University and creates a foundation for future engagement.

Nicola Latchiah, manager of the GLP, said, “This inaugural programme with Strathmore University represents an exciting step in strengthening UCT’s engagement with partners across the African continent. Through Global Learning Programmes, we aim to create meaningful learning experiences that combine UCT’s academic expertise with opportunities for participants to engage with the South African context beyond the classroom. We hope this first collaboration with Strathmore University will provide a strong foundation for continued engagement and future opportunities between our institutions.”

The programme concluded with a farewell dinner, followed by a visit to the Old Biscuit Mill, bringing a week of learning, exchange and engagement to a close.

Article written by Chanél Blom and first appeared here.