The Scientific Group SIGMA and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures (ESA) have taken a decisive step in enhancing academic collaboration by officially launching a strategic partnership in Lomé. The agreement, formalized on June 15, 2026, aims to elevate the quality of agronomy engineering education in Togo.
Starting with the 2026-2027 academic year, a dedicated Scientific Preparatory Class will open its doors to science baccalaureate holders. This initiative is designed to equip students with the rigorous academic foundation needed to pursue advanced agronomy engineering studies while addressing the evolving demands of Togo’s agricultural sector and the broader West African region.
Building tomorrow’s agronomy leaders
The program’s core objective is to cultivate a new generation of highly skilled agronomy engineers capable of driving agricultural, nutritional, and environmental transformation across Africa. By combining scientific excellence with practical expertise, the partnership seeks to bridge the gap between theory and real-world agricultural challenges.
“Bridging excellence and agricultural innovation”
Dr. Ingénieur Beaugrain Domongue, SIGMA’s Director of Development and Foresight, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative: « We are committed to connecting academic excellence with agricultural practice, empowering our farmers with innovation, and leveraging knowledge to bolster food sovereignty. » He described the partnership as a groundbreaking milestone in Togo’s higher education landscape.
ESA’s world-class pedagogy drives the partnership
The collaboration will see ESA contribute its world-renowned pedagogical expertise through curriculum development, faculty training, and participation in academic evaluations. A key highlight is the annual Summer Workshop at ESA’s Angers campus in France, offering students international exposure and immersion in a globally recognized academic environment.
The curriculum will emphasize life sciences, agriculture, environmental sustainability, food systems, and technological innovation, utilizing active learning methodologies that define ESA’s teaching approach. This blend of theoretical rigor and practical application positions graduates to lead agricultural advancements in Africa.
A five-year pathway to agronomy engineering
The program spans five years, beginning with a two-year preparatory phase focused on strengthening scientific foundations in agriculture, livestock, and food systems. Students who successfully complete this phase will advance to ESA’s three-year engineering cycle, culminating in a highly regarded agronomy engineering degree. This structure ensures graduates emerge as well-rounded professionals ready to tackle Africa’s agricultural challenges head-on.
SIGMA: Pioneering scientific education in Togo
Founded in 2018, the Scientific Group SIGMA has established itself as a leading institution in Togo, offering a comprehensive range of programs from secondary education to advanced preparatory courses. With a mission to cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and decision-makers, SIGMA fosters academic rigor, innovation, international collaboration, and excellence.
The partnership with ESA represents another stride toward achieving this vision, reinforcing Togo’s position as a hub for cutting-edge agricultural education and research in West Africa.