Smithfield, R.I. — Bryant University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Cape Town — the top-ranked higher education institution in Africa, according to U.S. News and World Report — formalizing a strategic partnership designed to expand global academic collaboration, experiential learning opportunities, and research engagement for students, faculty, and staff at both institutions.
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation that supports Bryant’s growing global reach and its commitment to preparing students to thrive through immersive, high-impact international experiences.
"It's important to have engagements that are cooperative, that cross continents and cultures, and that bring individuals and institutions together. It reflects our view here, at Bryant University, that education can be advanced through global partnerships, collaborative learning, and shared experiences,” said President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. "This is a very exciting day for us, and I look forward to what this cooperative agreement brings with great interest and great optimism."
The partnership was facilitated by business leader and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa P’17, co-chair of Bryant University’s Global Advisory Council, who played a key role in convening institutional leadership and advancing the collaboration.
"I just know that this is a match as close to being made in heaven as possible between these two institutions,” said Masiyiwa, who, along with his wife, philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa P’17, ‘24H, was joined on the call by his daughter, Vimbai, who graduated from Bryant in 2017. Masiyiwa also shared news of his company Cassava Technologies' partnership with Nvidia to bring the first artificial intelligence factory to Cape Town next month, a bold step that aligns with Bryant's commitment to AI integration across the curriculum.
Under the memorandum, Bryant and UCT will collaborate across multiple areas of mutual interest, including:
- Semester student exchanges for undergraduate and graduate students
- Short-term experiential academic programs
- Exchange of faculty, staff, and research scholars
- Sharing of academic materials, publications, and scholarly information
- Joint research initiatives, conferences, seminars, and lectures
The memorandum was signed on Thursday by Gittell and Mosa Moshabela, M.D., Ph.D., Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Cape Town who also serves as chair of the International Alliance of Research Universities. Professor Moshabela commented on the two institutions' strong alignment in priorities, which was on display when a Bryant delegation visited Cape Town last summer.
"We were very much struck by the depth of common ground and a shared commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, experiential and applied learning, and leadership development, and that it was important that we ensure real impact, not just on our campuses, but also in our communities and society at large,” said Moshabela.
Through this partnership, Bryant continues to grow its international footprint. Building upon the institution's existing experiential programming and its dedicated alumni community across the globe, this partnership will expand opportunities for students to engage across cultures, apply learning in global contexts, and gain perspectives essential for leadership in today’s global economy.
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu