UNAIR Catalyzes Sustainable Development in Eswatini Through MoU
MoU Became a Milestone of Academic Diplomacy
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), and Royal Tirta Ayu Spa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 10, 2026. The event took place at the University of Eswatini Luyengo Campus during the launch of the Ginger and Turmeric Research, Production and Value Addition Initiative, witnessed by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo and Minister Bongani Nzima, who represented Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka. From UNAIR, Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr., M.Kes., Sp.PD-KGEH, Ph.D, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, joined the signing. The MoU marked a strategic step in UNAIR’s internationalization, connecting academia, government, and industry to transform research into real solutions.
Research Collaboration Addressed Global Challenges
The collaboration between UNAIR and UNESWA opened opportunities in herbal cultivation, biomass bioconversion, and traditional health practices. These fields were highly relevant to global challenges in public health, sustainable energy, and community empowerment. The partnership focused on developing ginger and turmeric into high-value commodities through research in horticulture, biotechnology, chemistry, nutrition, and pharmaceutical sciences. Targeted products included essential oils, herbal remedies, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness formulations for regional and international markets. UNAIR strengthened UNESWA’s research capacity, including through the donation of a modern greenhouse tunnel for ginger and turmeric cultivation. Prof. Miftahussurur emphasized that the collaboration represented a transition from dialogue to implementation, aiming to empower students, young lecturers, and researchers with practical training in herbal medicine, wellness, and sustainable development.
SDGs Became the Direction of Cooperation
The partnership supported SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through herbal research for health, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating jobs and agro-processing industrialization, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening cross-border collaboration. Projections showed expansion to 2,000 hectares, involving more than 5,000 smallholder farmers, creating 4,000–5,300 jobs, and generating exports worth E150–350 million annually. In the long term, the industry was expected to create 10,000 jobs and generate more than E1 billion. Through Prof. Miftahussurur, UNAIR demonstrated that the university was not only an academic partner but also a catalyst for sustainable development.
Author: Gressendy Zahwarani
