Rome, Italy – 15 October 2025 - The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and Africa University (AU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, to strengthen academic collaboration in food security, sustainable agrifood systems, and environmental resilience.
The partnership brings together Africa University’s pan-African leadership and UNU-INWEH’s global expertise to develop practical, science-based solutions that address Africa’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
A centerpiece of this collaboration is the joint Master of Science (MSc) in Food Security and Sustainable Agrifood Systems, developed with the support of FAO. Hosted by Africa University’s College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the 18-month programme will train future leaders, researchers, and practitioners to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture across Africa and beyond. The first cohort begins in March 2026.
Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH “Through this collaboration, we are not only building capacity — we are empowering the next generation of professionals to tackle interconnected challenges, from water insecurity and environmental degradation to food systems transformation and sustainable livelihoods, in Africa and beyond. Africa University’s commitment to nurturing African talent for global impact is truly inspiring, and we are proud to stand with them on this journey, in close collaboration with the FAO eLearning Academy.”
Professor Peter Mageto, Vice Chancellor of Africa University, stated:
“Our collaboration with UNU-INWEH reaffirms Africa University’s unwavering commitment to transformative leadership and sustainable development. The joint MSc programme is more than an academic milestone — it is a bold investment in Africa’s future. Food lies at the heart of every society — it sustains life, drives economies, and anchors communities. By empowering graduates with the knowledge, skills, and innovative thinking needed to build resilient food systems, we are confronting the urgent challenge of food security head-on. Together with UNU-INWEH and with the support of FAO, we are nurturing a new generation of visionary leaders and problem-solvers who will champion sustainable, inclusive, and climate-smart agrifood systems across the continent.”
Reverend Alfiado L. S. Zunguza, Chairman of the AU Board : “This strategic partnership with the United Nations University affirms Africa University’s leadership in advancing knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. By working on food security, environmental resilience, and climate action, we are tackling one of life’s most fundamental needs while strengthening Africa’s role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”
This partnership opens new frontiers for joint research, innovation, and policy action on the interconnected challenges of water, biodiversity, climate, and health. It embodies Africa University’s drive to shape ethical, solution-oriented leaders and advances UNU-INWEH’s mission to champion sustainability and resilience across the Global South.
Together, the institutions reaffirm their dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, strengthening African expertise and leadership in global sustainability efforts.
About Africa University: Founded in 1992, Africa University is a private, pan-African institution based in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe. It provides innovative, inclusive, and high-quality education to students from across the continent, promoting ethical leadership and sustainable development in Africa and beyond.
About UNU-INWEH: The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) addresses critical global challenges at the intersection of water, environment, climate change, agriculture, and health. Through research, capacity development, policy engagement, and knowledge dissemination, the Institute bridges the gap between scientific evidence and the practical needs of policymakers and UN Member States, with particular attention to the Global South. Headquartered in Canada, UNU-INWEH works with a diverse range of partners, including UN agencies, governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society, to develop solutions that advance human security, resilience, and sustainability worldwide.
Media Contacts:
Africa University — Assistant Registrar, Academic Affairs: dapa@africau.edu
UNU-INWEH — Media & Journalism Fellow, Sustainability and Climate, Media, Ms. Shooka Bidarian: shooka.bidarian@unu.edu
