Wolaita Sodo University (WSU) and Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) have signed an agreement to produce cassava starch, which is the first ever industrial product research work of the two institutes that brings agreement on the paper being on the ground at a higher level.

At the signing ceremony, it was noted that Wolaita Sodo University, being an applied sciences university, is required to train qualified professionals that serve the ever-increasing industry demand to conduct research work that facilitates technology transfer. It has also been pointed out that one of the roles of higher academic institutions is to produce professionals based on the needs of the industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Guchie Gulie (PhD), President of Wolaita Sodo University, stated that it is a privilege to engage in research projects with AHRI, which is a renowned research institute in the country with considerable research experience. Highlighting WSU’s commitment to contributing to the industry, Dr. Guchie expressed that the partnership that WSU engages with AHRI is a testament to WSU’s contribution to the industry. The president emphasized that this agreement is consistent with the university's goals to contribute to industry as an applied science university.

Afework Kasu (Professor), Director General of AHRI, said that AHRI has been closely working with WSU on various initiatives in line with the memorandum of understanding that the two institutions have previously signed to jointly conduct health research. The purpose of signing the agreement is to produce an industrial project, which will progress the journey to production of cassava starch.