Makerere University has been ranked second in Sub-Saharan Africa and first among low-income countries for university–industry and international engagement, according to a new global performance indicator developed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in partnership with Times Higher Education (THE).
The results, featured in WIPO’s 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), draw on data from THE World University Rankings to assess how universities collaborate with businesses and international partners to drive innovation and economic transformation.
The ranking measures how effectively universities link research, industry, and global networks—a key factor in building resilient innovation ecosystems. Makerere’s position highlights its growing reputation as a hub for research collaboration, technology transfer, and international partnerships.
According to the report, Makerere University ranked 63rd globally among universities from middle- and low-income economies and topped the low-income category, outperforming regional peers such as the University of Rwanda (73rd) and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique (84th).
Global and Regional Context
The top performers globally in this indicator include Peking University (China) at rank 19, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) at rank 24, and Sabancı University (Türkiye) at rank 26. Makerere’s ranking positions it among the best-performing universities in emerging economies and ahead of several institutions in the lower middle-income group, such as India’s Indian Institute of Science (49th).
Recognised Leadership in Innovation and Collaboration
Commenting on the findings, Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, emphasised the significance of the new indicator in recognising how universities bridge the gap between academia and industry.
“Universities lie at the heart of every innovation ecosystem. Their ability to collaborate—locally and globally—determines how effectively research translates into innovation,” he said.
He further congratulated Makerere University, the University of Rwanda, and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane for leading their nations in building dynamic and globally engaged academic communities.
Driving Uganda’s Innovation Agenda
Makerere’s strong performance reflects Uganda’s continued investment in research, innovation, and higher education. Over recent years, the university has deepened partnerships with industry, government, and international research institutions, positioning itself as a regional leader in applied science, innovation, and policy impact.
The GII 2025 recognition reaffirms Makerere University’s vital role in connecting academic research to real-world solutions, strengthening Uganda’s visibility in global higher education, and advancing the nation’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.