On 19–20 November 2025, the International Association of Universities (IAU) conducted a site visit at the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) in Zimbabwe within the framework of UNESCO Participation programme. The mission was carried out by Giorgio Marinoni, Manager for Higher Education and Internationalization at the IAU; Inga Žalėnienė, IAU Vice President and Rector of Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania; Wondwosen Tamrat, IAU Board Member and President, St Mary’s University, Ethiopia; and Lavern Samuels, Director of International Education and Partnerships, Durban University of Technology, South Africa. They welcomed the support of WUA’s leadership and academic community.

This initiative was funded through the UNESCO Participation Programme.

Strengthening Internationalization at WUA

During the two-day visit, the IAU worked closely with WUA to review and support the development of the university’s internationalization strategy and activities. The assessment focused on aligning WUA’s institutional priorities with good practices in equitable and inclusive internationalization. Meetings were held with senior management, academic staff, administrative units, local and international students to identify strengths, opportunities, and areas for strategic development.

The mission forms part of the IAU’s broader commitment to supporting universities in enhancing their international engagement, institutional capacity, and contribution to the global higher education community.

Workshop on Promoting Equitable and Inclusive Internationalization

On 21 November 2025, the Women’s University in Africa hosted a workshop entitled “Promoting Equitable and Inclusive Internationalisation at Universities in Africa – Africa’s Inclusive Future: The Way Towards Equitable Internationalization.”

The workshop brought together participants from WUA and other Zimbabwean higher education institutions. The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) contributed to the programme and shared insights into national developments in higher education quality assurance and internationalization.

Giorgio Marinoni delivered a keynote presentation on trends in the internationalization of higher education in Africa, highlighting the importance of policies that promote equity, access, and institutional autonomy in international engagement.

Advancing Inclusive Internationalization Across Africa

This collaboration between WUA and IAU, supported by UNESCO reflects a shared commitment to advancing inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to internationalization, ensuring that African higher education institutions are equipped to engage globally in ways that support national and regional development.

The IAU will continue to support WUA as it implements the recommendations arising from the site visit and strengthens its role as a women-focused institution contributing to equitable and inclusive higher education in the region.