From January 20 to 24, 2026, Professor Emanuela Colombo, Full Professor at the Department of Energy of the Politecnico di Milano, Rector’s Delegate for Scientific Diplomacy and Development Cooperation, and holder of the UNESCO Chair in Energy for Sustainable Development, took part in the institutional mission to Mauritania within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa.

The mission, led by national and regional institutions together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, brought together representatives of governmental institutions, United Nations agencies, and civil society to explore opportunities for cooperation and sustainable development in West Africa.

During the visit to Nouakchott, the “Italy–Africa Joint STI Campus – Science, Technology and Innovation in support of Sustainable Transition in Africa” was highlighted as a key initiative. The programme, coordinated by the Lombardy Region with broad academic participation, aims to strengthen scientific and technological capacities through advanced training, technology transfer, and governance support in partner countries.

The project brings together 11 Italian universities — including Politecnico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Università degli Studi di Pavia, and LIUC – Università Cattaneo — along with four African partner universities in Mauritania, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia, creating an international network for research, innovation, and capacity building.

The commitment of the Politecnico di Milano reflects the University’s intention to promote scientific diplomacy and collaborative approaches that combine academic expertise with international development priorities for a sustainable and inclusive future.