Since the 1970s, UMB has been engaged in important public health initiatives around the world. In September 2009, the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) was formed as a nonprofit affiliate of UMB to support the implementation of UMB's international programs.

MGIC was established to support UMB activities and projects requiring specialized engagement and infrastructure to carry out UMB's mission globally. This includes when a sustained international presence is necessary to execute UMB research and other programs in the form of dedicated personnel, physical office space, a bank account, or similar infrastructure outside the US.

As of 2022, MGIC has UMB-approved affiliates, known as “country offices,” in eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Some of these affiliates are registered as separate corporations, while others are international branches. In addition, MGIC has registered international branches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti but does not currently operate in those countries.

International Operations administers the MGIC affiliates on behalf of UMB and activates the use of MGIC when appropriate for any department or unit to safely and effectively implement international activities on behalf of UMB.

One doesn't use MGIC directly. MGIC is engaged through International Operations, which administers MGIC on behalf of UMB. International Operations activates the use of MGIC when appropriate to safely and effectively implement international activities.

What would you like to do?

• Do you need help with a one-off procurement? International Operations may activate MGIC to provide an efficient resolution for your needs.
• Do you need on-the-ground support and facilitation in an international location? International Operations will assess your needs and whether the MGIC country office can support you. If so, International Operations will connect you with the appropriate MGIC employee in the country office.
• Do you need to set up a new project, open an office, hire staff, and/or procure goods or services? That may mean opening up a new MGIC country office - The first step is to contact us!

We ask that you not reach out directly to an MGIC country office with requests for support or facilitation - avoid potential confusion or delays by contacting us at Globalhub@umaryland.edu instead.