Academia–Public–Private Partnership Forum

12-14 March 2025. Kigali, Rwanda. 13th Academia–Public–Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship through University-Industry Partnerships for East Africa’s Sustainable Future.”

This biennial forum provided a unique platform for academia, industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to engage, network, and drive solutions that strengthen academia-industry linkages in East Africa.

It engaged with key stakeholders in academia, industry, and government to foster collaborations, showcased innovations, products, and services to a diverse regional audience.

Extracts of the programme:

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025

Plenary Presentation 1a: Practical aspects and strategies of aligning university research priorities with industry and community needs

• Prof. Alex Ariho, CEO, African Agribusiness Incubators Network, Uganda. 

Panel Session 1: 

How can universities overcome collaboration barriers to address industry and community needs? What are the key motivators to encourage industry to partner and invest in university research and development? How can universities demonstrate their commitment to industry and community needs, and build trust over time?

• Dr. Raymond Ndikumana - Deputy Vice Chancellor, Strategic Planning & Administration, University of Rwanda 
• Dr. Ehud Gachugu, HSC – Deputy CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya 
• Dr. Lina S. Mathew – Director, Science and Technology, Ministry Higher Education, Science and Technology, South Sudan. 
• Prof. Rose Clarke Nanyonga – Vice Chancellor, Clarke International University, Uganda 
• Dr. Mucyo Sylvie- Vice Chancellor, Rwanda Polytechnic , Rwanda y Prof. Yves Ndayikunda – President, Research and Career Development Center East Africa

 

Sub-Theme 3: Building a pipeline of innovative leaders and entrepreneurial talent 

Plenary Presentation 3a: Nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem: A collaborative approach for university, industry and government players

• Hausa Lightbourne, Country Manager, E4Impact, Rwanda. 

DAY 2: THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025

PANEL SESSION 2: How can universities better support commercialization of research findings and creation of spin-off companies? 

What key criteria do industry consider when evaluating university research for commercialization potential? What role can government play in fostering a more conducive environment for technology transfer and commercialization of research?

• Dr. Eugene Mutimura – Executive Secretary, National Council for Science and Technology, Rwanda Eng. 
• Anke Weisheit - Co-Founder and Chair, Innovation & Business Management, Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center (PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University for Science and Technology, Uganda. 
• Prof. Jane Ambuko - Professor of Horticulture and Postharvest Specialist. University of Nairobi, Kenya 
• Dr. Ignace Gatare- Principal of University of Rwanda –College of Science and technology, Rwanda 
• Prof. Karoli Njau – Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), United Republic of Tanzania

Panel Session 3: How to harness the role of incubation centres, innovation hubs, and accelerators in universities. 

The best approach to integrate entrepreneurship education into traditional academic programs in universities. The most effective strategies for identifying and nurturing young talent with entrepreneurial potential. 

• Mr. Francois Ngoboka - Chief Skills Officer, Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Rwanda y Sylvia Mukasa - Founder/CEO, GlobalX Investments Ltd/ Innovation Labs, Kenya 
• Dr. Philip Pande – Executive Director, Corporate Career Academy, Kenya. 
• Dr. Victor K. Muposhi, Head Academics, Conservation Leadership, School of Wildlife Conservation, ALU, Rwanda 
• Dr. Parfait Yongabo, Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Applied Research and Consultancy, Rwanda Polytechnic, Rwanda 

Plenary Presentation 3b: The Role of Universities in Support of Sustainable Development Goals Through UN Academic Impact (UNAI)

• Prof. Peter Wanderi - Principal Corporate Services, Communication & Alumni Relations/ Director Linkages, Mount Kenya University, Kenya. The Case of Mount Kenya University as the Hub Chair for SDG9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. 

Panelists 

• Mr. Francois Ngoboka - Chief Skills Officer, Ministry of Public Service and Labour, Rwanda (Mr. Amos Mfitundinda to represent) 
• Sylvia Mukasa - Founder/CEO, GlobalX Investments Ltd/Innovation Labs, Kenya 
• Dr. Philip Pande – Executive Director, Corporate Career Academy, Kenya. 
• Dr. Victor K. Muposhi, Head Academics, Conservation Leadership, School of Wildlife Conservation, ALU, Rwanda 
• Dr. Parfait Yongabo, Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Applied Research and Consultancy, Rwanda Polytechnic, Rwanda

  

DAY 3: FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025

Plenary Presentation 5: Briefing on East Africa University - Industry Collaboration Support Strategy

•  Bernd Friedrich – Expert for Technology Transfer & Regional Networking, IUCEA

Panel Session 5: Private Sector Perspectives of University-Industry Collaboration 

How private sector measure success of university-industry collaborations? What are the biggest challenges/key pain points in working with universities? What specific skills or areas of expertise are most lacking in recent graduates? 

• Mr. Steven Ruzibiza – CEO, Private Sector Federation, Rwanda y Mr. Steven Sabiti – CEO, Institution of Engineers, Rwanda 
• Mr. Hamad Hamad – Executive Director, Zanzibar Chamber of Commerce, United Republic of Tanzania y Dr. Vincent Gaitho – Chair, Education Sector, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & Council Chair, Mount Kenya University, Kenya 
• Mr. Christian Nkengurutse - Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi 
• Mr. Oscar Kissanga -Executive Director, Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA)