Makerere University has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global EdTech company Astria Learning to enhance digital learning through the Makerere Open, Distance and e-Learning (MAK-ODeL) Campus.
The partnership aims to bridge academia and the private sector by expanding access to quality online education both locally and globally. It underscores Makerere’s ongoing commitment to innovation in teaching, learning, and research through technology-driven solutions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, said the collaboration represents a major step toward transforming higher education delivery in Uganda and across Africa.
“Our commitment remains clear — to make Makerere University not only a centre of academic excellence but also a vibrant community that nurtures creativity, innovation, and responsible citizenship,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
“As we move forward, we shall continue working together — students, staff, partners, and alumni — to strengthen Makerere’s global reputation and make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s and Africa’s development.”
The partnership will enable Makerere to leverage technology, artificial intelligence, and global expertise to build sustainable e-learning systems, strengthen research, and promote international accreditation of its programs. Through this initiative, the university will develop and deliver fully online degrees and short courses that empower learners and drive socio-economic transformation.
Jeff Bordes, Chief Executive Officer of Astria Learning, said the collaboration aligns with Astria’s mission to revolutionise education technology worldwide. “At Astria Learning, we are redefining how EdTech operates globally,” Bordes said. “A few months before the release of ChatGPT, I had the opportunity to witness the power of artificial intelligence in Silicon Valley — and I knew that the future of education had changed forever.”
Bordes explained that Astria Learning has shifted all its research and development efforts toward creating AI-driven technologies that support learning and content creation.
“Our goal is ambitious — to educate 100,000 professionals each year and ultimately reach 1 million learners within the next 20 years,” he noted.
“AI now allows educators to do much more without being overworked. Our AI-powered tools — from writing assistants to learning management systems — help automate content creation and comprehension tasks, freeing up lecturers to focus on mentoring and innovation.”
Bordes thanked Makerere’s management team for their trust and partnership, expressing optimism about the transformative impact the collaboration will have on education in Africa.
“We are excited about the next decade,” he said. “Together with Makerere University, we look forward to changing the world through technology and education.”
The MoU marks a significant milestone in Makerere’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in innovation and higher education modernisation.
