UDSM and Adapt IT Forge Partnership to Drive African Innovation in EdTech
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Adapt IT Education, a leading South African technology company, to transform higher education in Africa through the development and commercialization of homegrown digital solutions.
The agreement seeks to turn university research and student-driven innovations into practical education technology (EdTech) tools that address real challenges in schools and universities across the continent.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on 15 September 2025 at UDSM. Speaking at the event, Prof. Boniface Nelson, Deputy Vice Chancellor–Research at UDSM, underscored the importance of translating academic work into societal impact.
“Innovation must translate into impact. As academics, our work must address the realities around us, and this partnership allows us to do just that”, said Prof. Boniface.
Prof. Boniface explained that the collaboration will focus on developing smart digital platforms, transforming university innovations into market-ready products, and strengthening skills through training and joint projects.
He emphasized that involving students directly in innovation is a priority, as it gives them opportunities to tackle real-world challenges with both academic and commercial value.
A bold commitment to advancing African society
Mr. Luxolo Rubushe, Group Managing Director at Adapt IT, described the partnership as a bold commitment to advancing African society through locally driven solutions. “It is not just about innovation for its own sake. It is about solving real African challenges through local talent and international collaboration”.
He noted that combining UDSM’s academic excellence with Adapt IT’s technological expertise will produce tailor-made digital solutions for teaching, learning, and university management—tools created within African universities to meet Africa’s unique education needs.
To reinforce this vision, Adapt IT Education announced a donation of 200,000 South African Rand to UDSM’s pre-incubation programme. The support will benefit over 130 student innovators, enabling them to transform their ideas into tangible products that can be applied across Africa.
Both UDSM and Adapt IT affirmed their belief in student-led innovation as a catalyst for growth and digital transformation. The partnership, they said, exemplifies how academia and industry can join forces to shape the future of education on the continent.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Moses Ismail, Coordinator of Innovation at UDSM, and Ms. Claire Marais, Market Lead at Adapt IT Education.