Karazin University Expands Cooperation with East African Countries: Memorandum Signed with Summit International Institute (Burundi)

On 10 June 2026, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and Summit International Institute (Republic of Burundi) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a new stage of international academic partnership between Ukraine and the African region.

The signing ceremony was held online with the participation of Yurii Tokar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Kenya. The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Kenya and Consul Olena Ivanchuk played a significant role in facilitating the partnership, thereby enabling cooperation between Karazin University and Summit International Institute.

On behalf of Karazin University, the Memorandum was signed by Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching Zarif Nazyrov, while Summit International Institute was represented by its Chairman of the Board and Founder, Dr Samuel Irungu Njau.

Summit International Institute is a higher education institution and a member of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), which brings together leading universities across the region.

The meeting was attended by members of the leadership and academic communities of both institutions, including deans, directors of educational and research institutes, and specialists in international cooperation and grant development.

The Memorandum provides for cooperation in student and staff academic mobility, joint research projects and publications, dual degree programmes, grant funding initiatives, and partnership development in the fields of medicine, economics, information technology, international relations, tourism, and innovative entrepreneurship.

Particular attention was given to prospects for cooperation in medical education. The growing demand for English-medium medical training in countries across the region creates additional opportunities for the development of international educational programmes.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the possibility of restoring the teaching of the Swahili language at Karazin University, which would contribute to strengthening educational and cultural ties between Ukraine and African countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed their commitment to the practical implementation of joint initiatives. A joint coordination committee will be established in the near future to prepare a roadmap for cooperation and launch the first collaborative projects.

The signing of the Memorandum marks an important step in expanding Karazin University's international presence and strengthening academic partnerships with higher education institutions across the African continent.