This Friday 28th, NOVA University Lisbon and the World Bank formalised a historic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to finance a series of workshops on sustainability and development in three African countries – Senegal, Kenya and Angola.
The protocol was signed by NOVA Rector João Sàágua and World Bank Vice President Ethiopis Tafaris, and represents the culmination of more than two years of negotiations. This agreement represents a significant step towards strengthening the University’s strategic presence in the region, in line with its commitment to empowering African communities.
“It is with great pride that we formalise this commitment, now as a way of repaying the trust that has been placed in us. We are deeply committed to the success of the project,” said the Rector. The World Bank official was equally enthusiastic about the opportunity: “We could never do this work without partners, so we seized the opportunity to learn from your experience and invest in a sustainable Africa.”
This capacity building project, funded by the World Bank, is an integral part of NOVA University’s efforts to promote sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. Compared to previous initiatives, such as the UDI-Africa project launched in 2017 with funding from the European Commission, this new initiative strengthens the commitment to local capacity building through international partnerships.
“The close collaboration with the World Bank recognises NOVA as the ideal academic partner to support development finance in this area and opens doors for future significant collaborations,” also emphasised Vice-Rector João Amaro de Matos, who oversees the university’s teaching and international development areas.
The ceremony was also attended by the University Administrator, Ana Rita Marante; the Pro-Rector, Júlia Seixas; the Director of NOVA FCT, José Alferes; the Director of NOVA FCSH, Luís Baptista; the Director of ENSP NOVA, Sónia Dias; the Deputy Director of NOVA IMS, Manuela Aparício; and the Director of IHMT NOVA, Filomeno Fortes.
