AUST, AFFAT-AFRICA Sign Partnership Agreement to Boost Agricultural Transformation in Africa
The African University of Science and Technology and the Association of Farmers for Agricultural Transformation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish certificate programs in agriculture and technology.
This partnership aims to promote agricultural development and food security in Africa through academic-industry collaboration.
The partnership will see the establishment of executive certificate programs focusing on agricultural innovation, infrastructure development and financing, and executive education tailored for practitioners and professionals.
AUST will provide infrastructure, curriculum approval, ICT support, and certification while AFFAT-AFRICA will develop curriculum content, provide expert facilitators, and coordinate logistics.
This collaborative effort is expected to drive significant progress in the agricultural sector by integrating technology into agriculture, the partnership aims to transform the sector from mere subsistence to a commercial and economically viable sector.
According to Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, President of AUST, the university distinguishes itself through research excellence and community impact.
Professor Onwualu stressed the importance of integrating technology into agriculture, noting that it could make agriculture equally lucrative and transformative for young people, who often prioritize tech startups due to their profitability.
He also highlighted the critical role of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs in advancing professional knowledge and skills across disciplines, especially agriculture.
Ambassador Akin Davis Tinuala, President of AFFAT-AFRICA, affirmed AFFAT’s mission to advance agriculture across Africa through innovation and technology, addressing food insecurity through scientific solutions.
The organization was established in response to food crises, with a focus on promoting agricultural transformation through the integration of science and technology into farming practices.
AUST's initiative, AUSTInspire, was established to bridge the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, especially in the tech and innovation sectors. This initiative aligns perfectly with the goals of the partnership, which seeks to leverage the strengths of both parties to drive agricultural development in Africa. By combining AUST's research excellence with AFFAT-AFRICA's expertise in agricultural transformation, the partnership is poised to make a significant impact in the sector.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from both institutions. From AUST, the attendees included Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, President; Dr. Prisca Nneka Onuoha, Head of Unit and Coordinator of Continuing Professional Development; Mrs Nsima Joseph, Coordinator, Students Affairs; and Mr. Okwunwanne Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Marketing and IT Support Unit Lead, AUSTInspire and CPD while AFFAT-AFRICA were represented by Ambassador Akin Davis Tinuala, President; Heather-Ronke Akanni, Country Director of African Business Roundtable (ABR, FRANCE) and AFFAT-AFRICA's Board Member and National Leader; and Mr. Stephen Miti Isioma, Service Innovation Desk Officer, were in attendance. The event concluded with a call for more integration of technology into agriculture to promote economic development and food security in Africa.