Makerere University has achieved a significant milestone, being ranked second in Sub-Saharan Africa for university-industry collaboration. According to the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in partnership with Times Higher Education (THE), Makerere has also topped the list for low-income countries.
This ranking highlights Makerere’s growing influence as a leader in connecting research with real-world applications. It comes as part of the latest performance indicators, which evaluate how universities work with industries and international organizations to foster innovation and drive economic growth.
A Symbol of Regional Excellence
The GII 2025 assessment places Makerere among the top institutions in emerging economies globally. The university’s performance surpassed that of several regional peers, including the University of Rwanda (73rd) and Mozambique’s Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (84th), and it was ranked ahead of the Indian Institute of Science (49th). Globally, Makerere placed 63rd among middle- and low-income institutions, securing a position at the top of the low-income category.
Among the top performers in the global rankings were Peking University (19th), University of the Witwatersrand (24th), and Sabanci University (26th), underscoring Makerere’s stature as a dynamic institution in the global academic community.
Phil Baty, the Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, praised universities that excel at bridging the gap between academia and industry, noting, “Universities lie at the heart of every innovation ecosystem. Their ability to collaborate locally and globally determines how effectively research translates into innovation.”
Enhancing Uganda’s Global Footprint
Makerere University’s recognition is seen as a reflection of Uganda’s commitment to investing in higher education, research, and innovation. Over recent years, Makerere has strengthened partnerships with industries, governments, and international research institutions, positioning itself as a regional leader in applied sciences and innovation.
The GII ranking underscores Makerere’s significant role in driving applied research that tackles real-world challenges, while also contributing to Uganda’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy. The university has fostered international collaborations, strengthening its global networks and positioning Uganda as an emerging hub for innovation in Africa.
The Path Ahead
Makerere’s ranking is not just a milestone for the university but for Uganda’s education sector as a whole. It highlights the country’s increasing participation in the global innovation ecosystem, as well as the potential of university-industry collaborations to spur economic transformation.
By continuing to foster research partnerships and technology transfer, Makerere is well-placed to lead Uganda and the broader region toward a more knowledge-based economy.
The GII recognition positions Makerere University as a key player in driving regional and international collaborations, further cementing its reputation as an institution that effectively connects research, business, and global networks.
