Instituto de Investigação Agronómica provides English Language training for APPSA Scientists in Angola

Instituto de Investigação Agronómica (IIA), the main public agronomic research institute of Angola, is currently providing a series of English language courses for scientists implementing Research and Development (R&D) sub-projects under the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA). The first cohort graduated on Friday, the 6th of January 2023, at the headquarters of Mazozo Technology Transfer Centre, where 13 Scientists and technicians successfully completed the beginner and intermediate levels.

According to the IIA Director General, Dr João Ferreira da Costa Neto, IIA is highly committed to continue facilitating the integration of its scientists into regional and international platforms by helping them improve their communication in English. This, he said, will help strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange with English-speaking Scientists.

Visibly happy scientists expressed their gratitude to the institution for providing an open collaborative learning environment. Two Senior Researchers have also been supported by IIA to study English in the United Kingdom.

Witnessing the ceremony was the Head of the Regional Center of Leadership on Cassava and Cassava-based faming systems, the Head of Mazozo Agricultural Research Station, the Head of Mazozo Technology Transfer Centre and Senior technical staff from IIA. The graduation ceremony was also an opportunity to announce two more upcoming training programmes to be conducted in Mazozo and Huambo, targeting additional scientists.

APPSA is a six-year World Bank funded regional initiative currently co-implemented by the Republic of Angola and the Kingdom of Lesotho with IIA and the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), respectively, as lead partners.