Nestlé–University Of Ghana Partnership Poised For A New Era Of Innovation And Impact

                            A group photograph taken after the meeting

A high-level engagement between Nestlé and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), University of Ghana (UG), was held on Thursday, 29th January 2026, at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) Board Room. The meeting reaffirmed a long-standing partnership between the University of Ghana and Nestle and explored opportunities to scale it up into a more impactful, vision-driven collaboration.

The Nestlé delegation was led by Ms. Christina Macina, Vice President for Communications, Asia, Oceania and Africa, and included Ms. Salome Azevedo, Managing Director, Nestlé Ghana Ltd.; Ms. Patricia Elcaba, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Manager for Central and West Africa; Ms. Deborah Kwablah; and Ms. Nana Akua Mensah.

Representing the University of Ghana were Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID), on behalf of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (RID); Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie, Director of IAST; Dr. Henry Ofosuhene Sintim, Research Fellow, IAST; Prof. Matilda Steiner-Asiedu, Department of Nutrition and Food Science; Prof. Nicole Sharon Affrifah and Prof. Firibu Kwesi Saalia, both from the Department of Food Processing Engineering; Mrs. Mammie Nortey, Unit Head, Research and Innovation Directorate; and Mrs. Elfreda Bansah, Administrator/Assistant Registrar, IAST.

In his interaction with Nestle team, the Director of IAST traced the history of the collaboration between UG and Nestlé, noting that while the relationship dates back to Nestlé’s establishment in Ghana, it gained renewed strength around 2018 and was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019. He described Nestlé as one of UG’s foremost industry partners and highlighted the company’s immense contribution to IAST since its inception, particularly in industry–academia collaboration.

Prof. Kwofie also announced the receipt of a proposal from Nestlé Ghana to partner with IAST in establishing Coffee Centres on campus, a proposal that aligns with UG’s recently developed comfort zones. He noted that such initiatives further strengthen the partnership and reflect Nestlé’s continued commitment to supporting higher education.

             Prof. Samuel K. Kwofie, Director, IAST

He further emphasized that Nestlé’s collaborations with IAST, the University of Ghana Business School, the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, and other university units have resulted in the successful training of several postgraduate students, many of whom have completed their PhD and Master’s programmes. He commended Nestlé Ghana for its sustained investment in education and research.

The Director also highlighted IAST’s Industry–Academia Series, a core mandate of the institute aimed at understanding industry needs and addressing them through innovative research. The series brings together students, faculty, and industry stakeholders, creating a vital platform for academia to tap into industry expertise.

Members of the Nestlé team expressed admiration for the breadth and depth of Nestlé’s impact on UG, particularly in curriculum development, research, and internship opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (RID), Prof. Dodoo-Arhin, a former Director of IAST, underscored the university’s appreciation of its partnership with Nestlé Ghana Ltd. He referenced the 2022 MoU, which facilitated the training of UG students with the involvement of Nestlé teams from Switzerland, noting that most of the beneficiaries have graduated.

He also recalled Nestlé’s participation in UG’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, describing it as a strong symbol of partnership. Prof. Dodoo-Arhin noted UG’s renewed focus on research impact, innovation, and commercialization, and expressed the university’s intention to scale up the collaboration into a higher-impact, flagship partnership aligned with Nestlé’s sustainability agenda.

 Dr. Henry Sintim (first from left) and Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin (second from left)

Among the proposed flagship initiatives were Nestlé–UG Sustainability and Innovation Living laboratories, which could integrate research, innovation, and commercialization. He emphasized that the existing MoU is flexible and could be expanded to support funding beyond student training, including large-scale initiatives that would significantly strengthen collaboration. He further invited Nestlé Ghana to participate in the Day of Africa Scientific Renaissance, suggesting a visibility stand to enhance Nestlé’s engagement with the university community.

 Ms. Salome Azevedo, Managing Director, Nestlé Ghana Ltd.

Participants of the partnerships from the University of Ghana shared their positive experiences working with students and communities in Ghana. They also expressed gratitude for Nestlé’s sponsorship, which has enabled students to access essential equipment, and advocated for expanded sponsorship under a revised MoU.

            Picture of some stakeholders from UG

The Director of IAST announced the establishment of a Greenhouse Hub, with plans underway to create an Agri-Tech Hub and an Agri-Food Systems Hub, and invited Nestlé to partner in these initiatives.

The Nestlé delegation reaffirmed the company’s strong interest in transforming agriculture and expressed openness to collaborating with institutions focused on agricultural transformation. While no immediate commitments were made, the team requested that IAST submit a formal proposal outlining its requests for further consideration.

The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of appreciation. The Nestlé team thanked IAST and the University of Ghana for the warm reception and reaffirmed their gratitude for the enduring partnership, while the Director of IAST thanked Nestlé for its continued engagement and support, expressing optimism about the future of the collaboration.