Togo launches elite agricultural engineering program in Lomé with french partnership

The Scientific Group SIGMA in Togo and France’s École Supérieure des Agricultures (ESA) have embarked on a significant new chapter in their academic collaboration. Both esteemed institutions formally established a strategic partnership on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Lomé, with the primary goal of enhancing the training of future agricultural engineers in Togo.

This groundbreaking alliance will manifest with the inauguration of a Scientific Preparatory Class, specifically designed for young science baccalaureate graduates, commencing in the 2026-2027 academic year.

A new pathway to excellence for scientific baccalaureate holders

Unveiled during a press briefing, this innovative educational offering aims to meticulously prepare students for advanced studies in agricultural engineering. Simultaneously, it addresses the escalating demands of the agricultural sector across Togo and the broader West Africa Sahel region.

The shared vision of SIGMA and ESA is to cultivate professionals equipped to navigate and drive the profound agricultural, food, and environmental transformations currently unfolding across the African continent.

“Connecting excellence to the land”

Dr. Ingénieur Beaugrain Domongue, Director of Development and Foresight for the Scientific Group SIGMA, emphasized that this undertaking is integral to a broader vision: modernizing the agricultural sector through the strategic application of science and innovation.

“Our aim is to link academic excellence directly to the land, thereby enhancing the innovative capacity of our producers and dedicating knowledge towards strengthening our food sovereignty,” he articulated.

According to Dr. Domongue, this collaborative effort between SIGMA and ESA marks a significant advancement within Togo’s higher education landscape.

ESA’s pedagogical expertise mobilized

Under the terms of this partnership, the École Supérieure des Agricultures will contribute its renowned pedagogical expertise. This includes providing comprehensive training frameworks, bolstering the capabilities of teaching staff, and participating in academic juries.

The collaboration also features an annual “Summer Workshop” hosted at ESA’s campus in Angers, France. This invaluable opportunity will offer students international exposure and immersive learning within a globally recognized academic environment.

The curriculum will place substantial emphasis on life sciences, agriculture, environmental studies, food systems, and technological innovation. It will leverage the active pedagogical methods for which the French institution is highly regarded.

A five-year journey to becoming an agricultural engineer

The preparatory phase of the program spans two academic years, focusing on solidifying scientific knowledge and acquiring foundational principles related to agriculture, livestock farming, and food production.

Upon successful completion of this initial phase, students will be eligible to enter ESA’s engineering cycle for an additional three years. At the culmination of their comprehensive studies, they will be awarded the prestigious agricultural engineer diploma.

This innovative program is poised to address the escalating need for specialized experts capable of guiding the agricultural sector’s evolution and bolstering food sovereignty across Africa.

SIGMA: a beacon of scientific excellence in Togo

Established in 2018, the Scientific Group SIGMA stands as an institution of scientific excellence in Togo, encompassing a college, a high school, and various preparatory programs.

The institution is committed to nurturing a new generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and decision-makers. Its mission is to empower them to tackle the challenges of the 21st century through a pedagogical approach founded on rigor, innovation, international perspective, and academic distinction.