Two faculties from Bahir Institute of Technology and MSA Business Group Sign Landmark Tri-Party MoU to Strengthen Industry Linkage
[ April 23, 2026 | Bahir Dar, ISC/BiT]
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A major step toward strengthening university–industry collaboration was formalized today as the Faculty of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (FMIE) and the Faculty of Chemical & Food Engineering (FCFE) at Bahir Dar University signed a tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSA Business Group.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for long-term collaboration in areas of education, research, innovation, and industrial development. It brings together academic expertise and industrial capacity to support Ethiopia’s growing focus on manufacturing and agro-processing sectors.
The MoU outlines a shared commitment to enhancing University–Industry Linkage (UIL) through structured internship programs, joint research initiatives, consultancy services, and technology development. Students and academic staff from both faculties will gain practical exposure through industrial attachments and cooperative training programs within MSA’s diverse business operations, which include manufacturing, animal feed processing, and oil production.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Bereket Haile Woldegiorgis PhD, Dean of FMIE, emphasized the importance of bridging academic knowledge with real-world industrial challenges. Similarly, Professor Solomon Workneh Fanta, Dean of FCFE, highlighted the role of such partnerships in advancing applied research and innovation in chemical and food engineering sectors.
The collaboration will focus on a wide range of areas, including industrial engineering, mechanical systems, production systems, chemical processing, food engineering, automation, energy systems, and quality management. Joint efforts will also address productivity improvement, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability.
Under the agreement, MSA Business Group will provide internship placements, industrial supervision, and access to facilities and operational data. In return, the university faculties will contribute through research expertise, laboratory resources, and capacity-building programs, including tailored training and postgraduate opportunities for MSA staff.
The MoU also emphasizes technology transfer, product development, and commercialization of innovations, alongside consultancy services aimed at solving real industrial problems. Additionally, the partners will collaborate on organizational development initiatives, including leadership training, system improvement, and performance enhancement programs.
Led by Deputy CEO/ General service chief officer, Dr Alemayehu Kebede, MSA Business Group expressed its commitment to fostering innovation and benefiting from academic collaboration to improve industrial performance and competitiveness.
The agreement, which will remain in effect for five years, also provides for joint ownership of intellectual property developed through collaborative efforts and ensures confidentiality and ethical standards across all activities.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in aligning higher education with industry needs, contributing to national development and supporting Ethiopia’s industrialization agenda through sustainable collaboration.
Information and Strategic Communication Office
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