NPUST’s achievements in agricultural technology development and talent cultivation have gained international recognition, earning the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize the “Elite Talent Training Program for Africa.” The program’s opening ceremony was held today (July 3rd) at 10 a.m. in the Formosa Hall III, B2 level, at the Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei. Distinguished guests included Director-General Yang Yu-Hui of the Department of Technological and Vocational Education, Ministry of Education; Consul General Wang Chi-Wen of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Director Lin Chia-Jung of the International Affairs Department, Council of Agriculture; Deputy Secretary-General Lee Chih-Hung of the International Cooperation and Development Fund; NPUST President Chang Chin-Lung; Counselor Ndovukuso Chabanje of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini; Representative Mohamed of the Somaliland Republic; and 25 participants from various African nations who are in Taiwan to attend the training program.
During the ceremony, the Council of Agriculture and the International Cooperation and Development Fund delivered keynote speeches on “Taiwan-Africa Agricultural Cooperation Overview” and “Introduction to ICDF and Ongoing Projects in Africa,” respectively, sharing Taiwan’s agricultural expertise with its African allies.
Director-General Yang Yu-Hui welcomed the 25 participants from Eswatini, South Africa, Somaliland, and Nigeria, expressing hope that the program, which includes friendly agricultural and livestock technology courses designed by NPUST and industry expert lectures, along with field visits to related agricultural and livestock industries in Taiwan, would enhance their foundational knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of Taiwan’s agricultural market. Consul General Wang Chi-Wen highlighted the longstanding agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and its African allies, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education and NPUST for organizing this training program, and wishing the participants a fruitful experience that they could take back to their home countries.
NPUST President Chang Chin-Lung expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the ambassadors and representatives who have worked hard to ensure the success of the training program. He also welcomed the African participants, hoping that they would gain valuable agricultural knowledge and skills during their time in Taiwan.
NPUST has a rich history of contributing to national diplomatic efforts by assisting allied nations in improving agricultural technology, particularly in Africa. From reclaiming land and successfully planting rice to developing various agricultural machinery to enhance production, NPUST has laid a strong foundation for agricultural diplomacy in Africa. In response to global sustainability trends, NPUST has advanced its agricultural expertise to offer this training program, focusing on the knowledge and skills needed for African agriculture. The curriculum integrates NPUST’s developments in sustainable farming practices, covering topics such as soil health and fertilization, livestock and crop management, pest control, and farm planning. The program also includes lectures by industry experts on international agricultural trends, hands-on training at NPUST’s facilities, and field visits to Taiwanese agricultural enterprises, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The program will culminate in a final week of group discussions, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and generate new, practical “Taiwan experiences” that they can apply in their home countries. This exchange will also foster initial connections between Taiwanese and African businesses, opening opportunities for future collaborations in products, packaging, and machinery, benefiting both Taiwanese exporters and African farmers.
The 25 participants, including university professors, researchers, government officials, and agricultural promoters from Eswatini, Nigeria, Somaliland, and South Africa, were selected by their respective embassies to attend the training program at NPUST. The program runs from July 3rd to July 22nd, supported by funding from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with NPUST providing expert instruction. The hope is that the participants will return home with a wealth of knowledge to share and implement.
