Strengthening Academic Partnerships: Grow Green Africa (Gr2A) Mobility at Rhodes University
MAKHANDA, South Africa – Rhodes University continues to strengthen regional academic collaboration through the Grow Green Africa (Gr2A) project, an Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme funded by the European Commission. The initiative brings together universities across Southern Africa to develop green computing expertise and climate resilience through collaborative research, postgraduate training, and staff and student mobility.
As part of this collaboration, Rhodes University hosted a strategic research meeting on 4 August 2026 involving two Rhodes University academics, two Gr2A mobility students currently registered for the Master of Information Systems by Research, and a visiting academic from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The meeting focused on mapping the way forward for collaborative research in renewable energy, one of the project’s key thematic areas led by Rhodes University. Within the Gr2A consortium, each partner institution contributes expertise in a specific climate-related field, with Rhodes University spearheading research on the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for renewable energy integration to support climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
From Left – Right: Ms. Chenai Tendayi, Mr. Ronald Karon, Dr. Zelalem Shibeshi, Prof. Nomusa Dlodlo, and Mr. Phephani Ndlovu
The two Gr2A mobility students presented progress on their research projects. Phephani Ndlovu is investigating Renewable Energy Site Suitability Analysis, applying spatial and information systems techniques to identify optimal locations for renewable energy infrastructure. Chenai Tendayi is conducting research on Renewable Energy Management, examining how digital technologies and information systems can support the efficient planning, monitoring, and management of renewable energy resources.
The meeting also welcomed Mr. Ronald Karon from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, who has commenced a two-month staff mobility placement at Rhodes University under the Gr2A programme. The engagement provided Mr. Karon with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the renewable energy research underway at Rhodes, identify areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for collaborative research during his stay.
The research activities are supervised by Prof. Nomusa Dlodlo, Dr. Zelalem Shibeshi, and Dr. Gugu Baduza, whose combined expertise is guiding the students while fostering interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration in renewable energy research. Their mentorship reflects Rhodes University’s commitment to developing innovative ICT-driven solutions that contribute to sustainable energy systems across the African continent.
The Grow Green Africa (Gr2A) project was established to strengthen Africa’s capacity in green computing technologies by equipping postgraduate students, researchers, and academic staff with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change through smart technologies. The project supports the mobility of master’s students, doctoral candidates, trainees, and academic staff to facilitate knowledge exchange, curriculum development, and collaborative research in priority climate-related fields.
The Gr2A consortium comprises Rhodes University (South Africa), the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia), the Copperbelt University (Zambia), and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), with technical leadership provided by the University of Turku in Finland. Together, these institutions are building regional capacity in green computing and developing innovative solutions that contribute to climate resilience and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
Today’s meeting demonstrated that staff and student mobility extends beyond academic exchange to create lasting research partnerships. By bringing together expertise from different institutions and countries, the Gr2A project continues to strengthen regional research networks, promote innovation, and develop the next generation of African scholars committed to advancing renewable energy and climate-smart technologies. As Mr. Karon embarks on his two-month research visit, the collaboration is expected to deepen institutional ties between Rhodes University and the Namibia University of Science and Technology while laying the foundation for future joint research initiatives that will benefit the wider Southern African region.
