Addis Ababa University and Moi University Formalize Partnership to Advance Africa’s Health Workforce

Country

Kenya

Pillar

Network Learning & Development

Eldoret, Kenya | 16 July 2026

Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Moi University have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) under the Africa Health Collaborative (AHC), establishing a strategic partnership to advance health education, research, innovation, and workforce development across their institutions and the wider region. The partnership aims to support African health professionals, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs through expanded opportunities for learning, collaboration, innovation, and professional development.

Following months of engagement, delegates from Addis Ababa University visited Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya. The visit brought the two institutions together to formalize their collaboration and identify practical areas for joint action.

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of the MoA, which formally established a framework for long-term cooperation. To mark the occasion, representatives planted trees together, symbolizing their commitment to nurturing the partnership over time.

“Today, we are not simply signing a Memorandum of Agreement; we are laying the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership,” said Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, Vice Chancellor of Moi University.

“Together, we can strengthen education, research, innovation, and health workforce development while pursuing solutions to the challenges facing our communities. I am confident this collaboration will produce tangible and lasting impact for both institutions and contribute to a more prosperous Africa.”

Translating Shared Aspirations into Action

With the agreement signed, both institutions turned their attention to implementation. Viewing the MoA as a starting point, they mapped out priority areas and agreed to finalize a comprehensive work plan by August 2026.

To create opportunities for the next generation of health professionals, innovators and leaders, the partnership will focus on three AHC pillars:

• Health Employment (HEMP): Expanding faculty and student exchanges, co-developing curricula, and strengthening professional capacity to prepare health professionals for evolving regional needs.
• Health Entrepreneurship (HENT): Fostering youth-led innovation through joint hackathons, pitch competitions, entrepreneurship training, startup support, and collaborative resource mobilization.
• Health Ecosystem (HECO): Promoting regional cooperation through joint conferences, policy dialogues, and collaborative research that can contribute to stronger and more connected health systems.

“This partnership formalizes our shared commitment to work together in education, research, community service, and innovation,” said Prof. Assefa Abegaz, Co-PI for the AHC at AAU and Project Manager.

“The MoA has been co-created by both universities, and I believe that by combining our strengths, we can make a meaningful difference.”

During the visit, AAU’s delegation also toured Moi University’s College of Health Sciences and the Dr. Edith Kwobah Recovery and Skills Centre, where discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in clinical training and specialized mental health services.

Creating Pathways for Youth

Through the Africa Health Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the partnership aims to create opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals, innovators, scholars and entrepreneurs to build skills, exchange knowledge and contribute to stronger health systems. The collaboration will draw on the unique strengths of both partners in research, clinical training, curriculum development, and health innovation.

“Our hope is that this collaboration moves beyond the project period and becomes a lasting institutional partnership,” said Lillian Bokongo, Program Officer, East Africa, AHC Secretariat.

“What matters now is what comes next: building a relationship that continues to grow, creating opportunities for both universities, and strengthening our collaboration well into the future.”

More than a formal agreement, this MoA provides a framework for new opportunities for students, researchers, and innovators to work across borders, share knowledge, and develop solutions responsive to shared health priorities. As implementation begins, both universities will now focus on translating the agreement into practical activities and opportunities for their students, faculty, researchers and wider communities.