MMUST Reaps Big from the WAGON2Africa Project as University of Foggia’s Prof. Matteo Francavilla Hosts MMUST Students in His Italy Lab
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is reaping big, courtesy of the WAter enerGy fOod Nexus 2 Africa (WAGON2Africa) project, which has seen a number of MMUST postgraduate students travel to Italy for studies. Two of the students are currently attached to Prof. Matteo Francavilla’s STAR*Facility Centre lab. From 25th to 28th November, 2025, MMUST hosted Prof. Matteo, who interacted with different faculty, exploring areas of collaboration in agriculture and other fields. Prof. Matteo, an Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Foggia-Italy, had an opportunity to also meet the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, as well as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha.
Prof. Matteo visited MMUST courtesy of the WAGON2Africa project, which aims to develop a network of Italian and African Universities to stimulate cooperation and share good practices, with a focus on the water-energy-food nexus and related issues. At MMUST, he delivered a specialized lecture aligned to the WAGON2Africa project to both staff and students from different disciplines, including Agriculture, Business, Natural Sciences, Arts, and Disaster Management.
Prof. Matteo speaks during a courtesy call at the Vice Chancellor’s office. Beside him is SAVET’s Prof. Jacob Wakhungu.
In an interview with DCCM crewregarding Prof. Matteo’s visit, the Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL)-Dr. Umulkher Ali, stated that her Directorate is committed to ensuring that MMUST becomes a leading facilitator of quality higher education through internationalization. “As a University, we appreciate such mobility programmes as they enable us to promote efficient and effective exchange of knowledge, experiences and skills for our staff and students.
MMUST’s Prof. Levi Akundabweni, who plays a major role in the WAGON2Africa project as an expert in Agriculture, led the team from the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET) during the discussions. “We hope to utilize this opportunity availed by Prof. Matteo’s visit to upskill our staff and students, while at the same time enhancing the value that this kind of mobility brings to the partnership. I am happy that WAGON2Africa is contributing towards the scientific growth of MMUST as a University of science and technology,” said Prof. Akundabweni.
Prof. Jacob Wakhungu speaks at the meeting.
The WAGON2Africa project has yielded positive outcomes, and there is no doubt that the University is reaping big from it. MMUST’s involvement in this network reflects its commitment to fostering international collaborations, advancing research and building the capacity of its staff and students. The institution has certainly positioned itself as a key player in driving innovation, knowledge exchange, as well as sustainable development across the African continent.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
