Africa University (AU) and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church (Global Ministries) have entered into a four-year partnership to support pioneering research and innovation in agriculture and public health – two of the most pressing areas shaping the continent’s future. AU’s vital work in these areas was put at risk due to the sudden withdrawal of international aid earlier this year.
Agriculture is part of Africa University’s roots. When AU opened its doors in 1992, Agriculture and Theology were its founding faculties – nourishing both body and spirit. Today, the university’s strategic focus on agricultural innovation marks a return to that foundational call for holistic, transformational education that creates leaders for the continent of Africa, grounded in Christian values.
Agency Provides Funding Thanks to You
Global Ministries will provide funding, technical support and capacity-building resources, while AU also lends its agricultural expertise. They will work through Global Ministries’ successful Yambasu Agricultural Initiative.
Africa University’s life-saving work on malaria prevention through the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria (ZENTO) will be supported through the partnership.
The ZENTO program’s achievements have contributed significantly to a reduction in malaria cases across Zimbabwe’s hardest-hit provinces. However, the sudden withdrawal of international aid placed this vital work at risk. With Global Ministries’ support, AU’s laboratories can continue operating, mentoring young scientists and anchoring the nation’s malaria control efforts.
Partnership Opens Doors Across UMC
The partnership between AU and Global Ministries also opens doors to extend agriculture and health research impact across United Methodist episcopal areas and health partners in Africa, advancing the pan-African connection and moving toward the collective aspiration of health equity and scientific leadership, born of the continent.
“The elimination of foreign aid funds has impacted vital work at AU. Though we cannot fill the full funding gap caused by these massive funding cuts, we hope to help mitigate some of the impact. This will allow AU to continue vital work in education, health and sustainable agriculture,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry. “Through the United Methodist network, we also hope this partnership will have an impact on communities throughout the continent.”
“This partnership is a powerful testimony of what Africa University represents – hope, resilience and possibility. At a time when many doors have closed, Global Ministries has continued to invest in African solutions, led by African minds. With this support, our faculty and students can continue doing what they do best: shaping knowledge into action, and action into lasting change. The future is calling, and together, we are answering it!” said Vice Chancellor, Rev. Professor Peter Mageto.
Global Ministries, the global mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church, has worked in mission and ministry for more than 200 years and is one of the founders of Africa University, reaching more than 100 countries through its programs and through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Your Generous Support Helps Educate Africa
By supporting the Africa University Fund apportionment, you help provide financial support for the general operating expenses of Africa University. This university helps empower students from across the continent of Africa to give back to their individual countries on their return home. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Susan Clark, Chief Communications Officer, General Board of Global Ministries and Jeanette Dadzie, Director, Advancement and Public Affairs, Africa University
This story shows the impact of the Africa University Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to equip new generations of leaders for the African continent. Your church’s giving supports Africa University in Zimbabwe, where students from across Africa receive higher education rooted in faith, excellence, and service. Together, we help shape leaders who transform their nations and communities.
When your church supports the Africa University Fund, you empower students to become changemakers grounded in hope and faith.
