18-month joint Master of Science between Africa University (AU) and UNU-INWEH, developed with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), hosted by AU's College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences.
UNU-INWEH and Africa University signed a Memorandum of Understanding at FAO headquarters in Rome on 15 October 2025 to strengthen academic collaboration in food security, sustainable agrifood systems and environmental resilience. A centerpiece of the partnership is this joint MSc, which trains future leaders, researchers and practitioners to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture across Africa and beyond. The first cohort begins in March 2026.
Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH, has framed the programme as building capacity to tackle interconnected challenges spanning water insecurity, environmental degradation, food systems transformation and sustainable livelihoods. Professor Peter Mageto, Vice Chancellor of Africa University, has described the joint MSc as a bold investment in Africa's future, aimed at building resilient food systems through a new generation of leaders in sustainable, inclusive and climate-smart agrifood systems.
The partnership also opens the door to joint research, innovation and policy action on the interconnected challenges of water, biodiversity, climate and health, and reaffirms both institutions' commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa's Agenda 2063.
About The Partners
Founded in 1992, Africa University is a private, pan-African institution based in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, providing education to students from across the continent. UNU-INWEH addresses critical global challenges at the intersection of water, environment, climate change, agriculture and health, and is headquartered in Canada.
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Programme Page
UNU-Africa University Collaborative Master of Science (MSc) in Food Security and Sustainable Agrifood Systems
