TNE WAGON2Africa

Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza - Missione 4 “Istruzione e ricerca” - Componente 1 “Potenziamento dell’offerta dei servizi all’istruzione: dagli asili nido all’Università” - Investimento 3.4 “Didattica universitaria e competenze avanzate” - Sottomisura T4 “Iniziative Transnazionali in materia di istruzione” Avviso D.D. n. 167 del 03/10/2023

Title of Proposal: WAter enerGy fOod Nexus 2 Africa
Proposal Code: TNE23-00067
CUP: E17G24000420006
Lead Institution: Politecnico di Torino
Total amount financed: € 2,575,480.65
Of which in the South: € 1,158,966.29
Duration: from 01/10/2024 to 31/03/2026

Abstract

The main objective of the WAGON2Africa project is 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 (WEFN: water-energy-food nexus) and related issues and dimensions. The complexity of the subject needs a comprehensive, cross-cutting approach that takes into account the multiple dimensions, synergies, and interdependencies associated with the production and consumption of water, energy, and food. Therefore, the project will address four areas of interest: (1) science, technology and digitization, (2) economics, business and management, (3) humanities, social sciences and law, and (4) sustainable agri-food systems, natural resources and bioeconomy. International cooperation is critically important to share best practices and support innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of the WEFN sector, including through mutual learning and indigenous knowledge. With this in mind, the project will support three lines of action: (1) international student mobility, (2) faculty mobility, and (3) advanced skills courses for graduate staff. This theme is crucial in the perspective of energy transition and environmental sustainability, as well as to support climate action and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The strategic geographic area covered by the project is East Africa; an African hub will be established in Nairobi, Kenya, to coordinate activities in the other African countries participating in the project. The strengthening of an international network focused on the wefn theme will lay the groundwork for the future implementation of joint degrees between the Italian universities in the partnership and associated African universities and, in the medium/long term, for further broader collaborations. The consortium is composed of 10 Italian universities (of which 5 are located in southern regions), coordinated by the Politecnico di Torino, with a strong complementarity of expertise and educational areas. The coordinator and the other partners have long experience in international collaboration on educational exchanges and agreements, the creation of new campuses, hubs and laboratories abroad, and capacity building initiatives. Foreign universities that could benefit from project activities include, at this stage, at least 61 institutions in 14 East African countries. A significant proportion of these universities already have ongoing exchange agreements with Italian universities in the consortium. This project aims to leverage these relationships to implement a broad network of Italian and African universities, laying the groundwork for the future development of dual degree pathways.

Project participants

• Politecnico di Torino
• Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
• Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro
• Università degli Studi di Palermo
• LUISS Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli
• Università di Foggia
• Università degli Studi di Firenze
• Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
• Università di Sassari
• Università di Torino