UNIMA AND THE MURORAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATE IN THE FIELDS OF FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY
The University of Malawi (UNIMA), through its Food Innovation and Technology Hub (FitHub), has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Creative Collaboration at Muroran Institute of Technology in Japan, marking a significant step towards advancing food innovation, value addition, and sustainable development in both Malawi and Japan.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the University of Malawi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Professor Samson Sajidu, described the partnership as a highly impactful initiative that will benefit both national development and local communities in both countries.
“This collaboration is significant for both Malawi and Japan. It has the potential to contribute meaningfully to national development and community level transformation. The partnership will help us enhance and promote neglected and underutilized foods, which have great potential to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.” said Sajidu.
Professor Sajidu further highlighted the expertise that Muroran Institute of Technology brings to the collaboration, particularly in food analysis and emerging technologies.
Professor Sajidu further highlighted the expertise that Muroran Institute of Technology brings to the collaboration, particularly in food analysis and emerging technologies.
“Our colleagues are well-equipped in food analysis and possess advanced technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence facilities. We are therefore bound to benefit greatly from this collaboration through knowledge exchange, research, innovation, and capacity building,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Center for Creative Collaboration at Muroran Institute of Technology, Professor Kiyotaka Tokuraku, said the partnership forms part of a new project aimed at promoting the local utilisation of food resources and supporting sustainable development.
“This project focuses on the local utilisation and promotion of food resources, which is essential for achieving sustainable development. Our centre has the capacity and technology to evaluate food in relation to climate conditions, value chains, and the functional properties of local food resources. This will contribute to improving the quality, value, and marketability of food products,” said Tokuraku.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would yield positive outcomes for both institutions and contribute to addressing food and nutrition challenges through research-driven solutions.
The collaboration's primary objective is to promote value addition of local food resources in Malawi and Japan through research, technology transfer, capacity building, and innovation.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for joint research projects, staff and student exchanges, technology sharing, and the development of innovative food products that support sustainable economic growth, food security, and community development.
The partnership further underscores the commitment of both institutions to harnessing science, technology, and innovation to unlock the potential of local food resources and create sustainable food systems.
