Makerere University has been ranked second in Sub-Saharan Africa and first among low-income countries for university-industry and international engagement, according to the latest 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), leverage data from THE World University Rankings to evaluate how universities collaborate with industry partners and international institutions to drive innovation and economic transformation.
The indicator specifically measures how effectively universities connect research, business, and global networks—an essential element in building resilient and competitive innovation ecosystems.
Makerere University’s ranking underscores its growing reputation as a hub for research collaboration, technology transfer, and international partnerships.
Globally, the university ranked 63rd among institutions in middle- and low-income economies, topping the low-income category. This performance places Makerere ahead of regional peers such as the University of Rwanda (73rd) and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique (84th).
Among the top performers globally in this indicator were Peking University (China, 19th), University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa, 24th), and Sabanci University (Türkiye, 26th), positioning Makerere among the most dynamic universities in emerging economies and ahead of notable lower middle-income institutions such as India’s Indian Institute of Science (49th).
Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, highlighted the importance of the new indicator in showcasing universities’ role in bridging 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," Baty said.
He also commended Makerere University, the University of Rwanda, and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane for leading their nations in cultivating globally engaged academic communities.
Makerere University’s achievement reflects Uganda’s strategic investment in research, innovation, and higher education. Over recent years, the university has strengthened 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 affirms Makerere University’s vital role in connecting academic research to real-world solutions, enhancing Uganda’s visibility in global higher education, and advancing the nation’s vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.