The Africa University has partnered the United Nations in a drive to promote sustainable food systems. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the global effort to tackle hunger, climate change, and agricultural sustainability in Africa.
It seeks to strengthen research, innovation, and capacity building by combining Africa University’s Pan-African academic leadership with UNU-INWEH’s global expertise in environmental and water management.
As part of this initiative, the two institutions will introduce a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Food Security and Sustainable Agrifood Systems, developed with the support of FAO and officially launched by FAO Director-General, Dr. QU Dongyu. The 18-month programme will train students to become leaders and innovators capable of driving sustainable agricultural transformation through scientific research, technology, and policy-based solutions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event recently, Africa University Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Mageto, described the partnership as a catalyst for inclusive and transformative agricultural development.
“This partnership is going to reinforce Africa University and UNU-INWEH’s shared commitment to education and research for sustainable development, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and African Union Agenda 2063. We are also looking forward to interdisciplinary and applied learning, building regional and global expertise in food security, agrifood systems, and environmental sustainability.”
“Not only will it strengthen international academic collaboration, but it will also align both institutions with global standards through co-supervision and innovation-driven postgraduate education. We are grateful to Government for supporting our efforts in research on agro-systems, climate resilience, and data-driven solutions,” said Professor Mageto.
Echoing these sentiments, Professor Kavah Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, highlighted the significance of the collaboration in shaping Africa’s food systems and environmental future.
“We are proud to announce a new collaboration between Africa University, Zimbabwe, and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
“This partnership brings together Africa University’s Pan-African leadership and UNU-INWEH’s global expertise to advance research, education, and innovation in food security, sustainable agrifood systems, and environmental resilience. A key outcome of the partnership is the new Joint MSc in Food Security and Sustainable Agrifood Systems, developed with the support of FAO. The 18-month programme will train the next generation of leaders and innovators driving sustainable transformation across Africa and beyond,” said Professor Madani.
The partnership will also promote North–South knowledge exchange, fostering interdisciplinary learning, regional cooperation, and data-driven research for sustainable agriculture. It will enable academic co-supervision, student exchange programmes, and strengthen institutional alignment with international academic and research standards.
Experts believe the partnership comes at a crucial time when Africa is battling food insecurity, climate-induced droughts, and environmental degradation. By focusing on capacity development and sustainable food systems, the initiative aligns closely with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for socio-economic transformation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those addressing hunger, poverty, and climate action.
The United Nations University (UNU) serves as a global community of scholars acting as a bridge between the UN and international academia. Through this collaboration, Africa University is reinforcing its position as a centre of excellence in higher education and sustainable development, contributing meaningfully to Africa’s resilience and prosperity
