The Academic Team of the African Agri-Food Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AAKTP) Project has successfully completed a strategic working visit to the University of Huddersfield (UoH), United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in advancing international collaboration in agri-food research and innovation.

The visit, held from 26 April to 1 May 2026, brought together leading researchers, including Prof. Jacob K. Agbenorhevi, Academic Lead, KNUST, Prof. Fidelis Kpodo, Academic Supervisor, UHAS, and Prof. Gordon Morris, Principal Investigator of the AAKTP Project at UoH, Prof. Alan Smith, Academic Supervisor, UoH.

Hosted within the School of Applied Sciences at UoH, the visit focused on laboratory-based research, sample analysis, and consolidating findings as the project approaches completion in July 2026.

A key highlight of the visit was an engagement with Prof. Michael Ginger, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, where discussions centred on strengthening partnerships, enhancing research capacity, and ensuring the project’s long-term impact.

The project builds on previous exchanges involving Belinda Ntow, KTP Associate, as well as Prof. Morris' engagements in Ghana at KNUST and the Cocoa Processing Company.

Central to the project is the translation of research into real-world impact, particularly through the development and scale-up of okra pectin production for industrial application as a lecithin substitute in chocolate.

The team is also exploring funding opportunities to establish pilot and industrial-scale okra pectin production plants aimed at boosting local industry and economic development.

The AAKTP project funded by Innovate UK, demonstrates the value of international collaboration in driving innovation and sustainable development within the agri-food sector.