Bridging Continents Through Knowledge: UDSM and Norway’s HVL Forge Landmark Academic Partnership
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)has entered into a strategic international partnership with Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in teaching, research, and global academic exchange.
The agreement, signed at UDSM’s Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Mlimani Campus in Dar es Salaam by UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof. William A.L. Anangisye and HVL Vice Rector Prof. Christine Øye, marks a significant milestone in advancing higher education collaboration between Tanzania and Norway.
The MoU establishes a framework for joint teaching initiatives, collaborative research, and structured mobility programmes for students, academic staff, and administrative personnel, including virtual and blended exchange models designed to widen participation and accessibility.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Anangisye described the partnership as a reflection of UDSM’s commitment to internationalisation and the continuous enhancement of academic quality.
“This agreement opens new avenues for our academic community to engage in joint research, innovative pedagogical approaches, and meaningful international exchange that will strengthen the relevance of our education in a globalised world,” he said.
He added that such collaborations expand research networks, foster cross-cultural learning, and equip graduates with the global competencies required to address complex development challenges.
Under the agreement, undergraduate and postgraduate students from both institutions will benefit from exchange opportunities and joint learning experiences, while academic staff will participate in collaborative research, co-publications, and shared supervision of postgraduate candidates.
Administrative staff will also engage in professional exchanges aimed at strengthening institutional systems, governance, and service delivery.
A shared vision for societal impact
Prof. Øye noted that HVL, one of Norway’s largest public universities of applied sciences, brings strong academic environments in natural sciences, applied sciences, social sciences, and health sciences, areas closely aligned with UDSM’s academic strengths.
“Our institutions share a commitment to education and research that responds to societal needs. Through this partnership, we aim to build lasting academic bridges between Norway and Tanzania while promoting intercultural understanding and knowledge exchange,” she said.
The collaboration is expected to particularly benefit academic units in the natural and applied sciences, social sciences, and health-related disciplines, enabling interdisciplinary engagement in areas of shared priority.
From agreement to action
A panel discussion held after the signing brought together representatives from both universities to outline implementation pathways and identify thematic areas for early collaboration.
Discussions highlighted potential joint research in sustainable development, public health, social transformation, and applied scientific innovation, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to solving global challenges.
Participants underscored the importance of student-centred mobility programmes that combine academic training with cultural immersion, alongside clear coordination mechanisms, joint supervision structures, and monitoring systems to ensure measurable outcomes.
The ceremony marked not merely the signing of an agreement, but the beginning of a long-term academic alliance.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to translating the MoU into concrete programmes that enhance teaching excellence, expand research innovation, and deepen global engagement, further positioning UDSM as a leading research-intensive university and a key partner in international knowledge collaboration.