Bridging Continents Through Exchange: The Wagon2Africa Project

Academic mobility, international cooperation, and shared training: the University of Sassari strengthens its dialogue with the African continent. The initiative is part of the national strategic framework of the Wagon2Africa programme, promoted by the Polytechnic University of Turin.

In an increasingly global academic landscape, international mobility is a key tool for building lasting institutional relationships, fostering intercultural dialogue, and enhancing the skills of both students and faculty. It is within this context that Professors Albert Makochekanwa and Lizzie Hamandishe from the University of Zimbabwe visited the University of Sassari from 18 to 27 July as part of the Wagon2Africa project.

The initiative—coordinated nationally by the Polytechnic University of Turin and funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)—is part of the broader Wagon2Africa programme, which aims to strengthen cooperation between Italian and African universities through academic exchange, advanced training programmes, and joint research activities. The project involves a network of over 60 African universities in 14 countries and 10 Italian institutions, including the University of Sassari, which participates with dedicated funding of over €155,000.

During their stay, the two academics took part in numerous institutional and technical meetings with faculty members and university officials. A key moment of the visit took place on 24 July, when the operational addendum marking the official start of the mobility activities planned for autumn 2025 was signed. The document was signed on behalf of Rector Gavino Mariotti by Vice-Rector Professor Andrea Piana.

The following day, the Department of Law hosted a workshop presenting the project, during which the goals, opportunities, and future prospects of the programme were outlined. The event provided a valuable platform for dialogue among professors, researchers, and students, and underscored the strategic role of the University of Sassari in promoting the international dimension of teaching and research.

Participation in Wagon2Africa reaffirms the University of Sassari’s commitment to building long-term academic partnerships and strengthening its international outlook, with a particular focus on cooperation with the African continent.

The University of Sassari has long been engaged in enhancing its international profile, with a network of academic cooperation agreements involving over 100 countries across all continents. Alongside traditional Erasmus exchange programmes and EU-funded projects, the University also promotes development cooperation initiatives and scientific partnerships in the Mediterranean region, Latin America, and Africa, consolidating its role as an active player in academic diplomacy and the pursuit of shared knowledge.