The APUA project is led by the Durban University of Technology in collaboration with the University of the Western Cape, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Limpopo, University of Johannesburg, University of Zululand, Rhodes University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and Walter Sisulu University. 

This project is of the view that higher education in Africa is evolving, and African universities are at the forefront of rethinking what internationalisation should look like in this context. It brings together a diverse group of South African universities that share a commitment to reshaping internationalisation in ways that are relevant, transformative, and deeply connected to Africa’s realities.

Rather than adopting one-size-fits-all global models, this initiative is about collaboration that strengthens African knowledge systems, builds sustainable academic networks, and fosters meaningful engagement between universities across the continent. Through capacity-building initiatives, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing platforms, the project creates spaces where university leaders, academics, and internationalisation practitioners can critically examine the barriers and opportunities that shape collaboration in Africa.

By strengthening academic and research linkages within Africa, this initiative aims to contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development, stability, peace, and prosperity in higher education across the continent.