By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
France’s
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, has visited the
University Innovation and Technology Pole (UniPod) at the University of Lomé
during an official trip to Togo, where he reviewed progress on the IMPACT
project aimed at strengthening higher education and innovation.
The
IMPACT programme, funded by Agence Française de Développement with €3 million,
is part of the Africa-France Academic Partnerships initiative. It is being
implemented through a collaboration between the Université de Technologie de
Troyes and the University of Lomé, alongside partners including the University
of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard and IMT Mines Albi.
The
project is focused on supporting the development and structuring of the École
Polytechnique de Lomé, with an emphasis on equipping students and faculty with
advanced tools and resources to enhance technical training and innovation.
During
the visit, the minister toured facilities at UniPod, where he observed
equipment installed under the project, including 3D printers, waterjet cutting
machines, and advanced simulation platforms designed to support engineering and
research activities.
Officials
indicated that the initiative is intended to strengthen higher education
systems, foster innovation, and improve youth employability in alignment with
the Togolese government’s development priorities.
The
visit forms part of ongoing cooperation between France and Togo in education
and capacity building, with a focus on leveraging technology and academic
partnerships to drive sustainable development.
