REPORT ON THE NESTLE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS

The second edition of the Nestlé Central and West African Region (CWAR) Science and Technology seminars for students and researchers in tertiary institutions took place in sub-Saharan Africa. The inaugural edition was held in 2023.

 Nestlé CWAR identified Sub-Saharan Africa as a region with a fast growing young population and whilst the region is experiencing economic growth, it continues to face specific challenges in the areas of access to affordable nutrition, food insecurity and the need for sustainable food systems. The series aims to strengthen local students’ scientific expertise and to develop key competencies in food innovation to address the challenge in a holistic and locally relevant way.

This seminar series was held in collaboration with partner universities across Sub Saharan Africa namely Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria and South Africa. In Ghana, the facilitation was held in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology and the Department of Food Process Engineering, of the University of Ghana.

The second edition focused on the Foundations to Developing Food Products, Associated Methodologies and Science, Case-Studies and Advanced Food Innovation. At the end of the training, participants were equipped with practical and theoretical knowledge in cutting-edge food technology and innovation, integrating safety, quality, and sustainability into food systems, using AI tools and engineering principles to address challenges in global food security and gaining skills for designing and delivering innovative products that meet the needs of diverse populations.