On October 24, Technical University of Moldova (UTM) hosted a truly historic event for the national agri-food sector: the celebration of the first graduating class of the Master’s Program in Business Administration (MBA) in Agribusiness! Marked by the success of the partnership with AgriMBA Network—a European university network of excellence in agricultural management education—this innovative program has demonstrated that the academic environment in Moldova is ready to respond to the most acute needs of the market, training a new generation of visionary leaders and managers in agriculture.
The MBA in Agribusiness program was implemented through a solid strategic partnership involving the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), the OPTIM/Helvetas project, and benefiting from the consistent support of the European Union Delegation. This transnational collaboration brought academic standards and international experience directly to Chisinau, directly within UTM.
The honorary presence of Prof. Agata MALAK-RAWLIKOWSKA, PhD, president of the AgriMBA Network at Warsaw University of Life Sciences, underscores European recognition of the quality and relevance of this program.
The event was moderated by Maxim POPOV, ADMA representative, who addressed graduates, teachers, and partners with a message of congratulations and deep gratitude for their contribution to the development of an innovative program.
In their messages of greeting and support, representatives of UTM and key partners—including Dr. Daniela POJAR, Vice-Rector of UTM for Finance and International Relations; Alexandra ȘIAN, State Secretary, MAIA; Bojan KOLUNDZIJA, Team Leader, OPTIM/Helvetas Moldova; Prof. Dr. Agata MALAK-RAWLIKOWSKA, President of AgriMBA Network; Aurelia LITVIN, Local Project Coordinator, AGRIMBA – highlighted the critical importance of the program for the sustainable development and modernization of the agri-food sector in the Republic of Moldova, in the context of alignment with the EU economy.
Alexandra ȘIAN, Secretary of State, MAIA: “This ambitious program is a national first and a decisive step towards training a new generation of leaders in the agri-food sector—professionals capable of managing modern, sustainable, digitized businesses that are aligned with the demands of the European economy.”
Dr. Daniela POJAR, Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations, UTM: “The first class of MBA graduates in Agribusiness in the Republic of Moldova is a benchmark that demonstrates the impact of the program: the creation of an alumni community that is becoming the nucleus of a new generation of leaders in agribusiness, ready to transform the agricultural potential of the Republic of Moldova into a European success story. They are living proof that, through solid partnerships and vision, we can bring excellence in education to the service of national economic development.”
The first graduating class of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Agribusiness program consists of a diverse group of professionals: farmers, entrepreneurs, public institution employees, and consultants. This professional diversity demonstrates the program’s ability to attract and train all those who aspire to leadership in the field.
The highlight of the event was the roundtable discussion, moderated by Aurelia LITVIN, local coordinator of the AGRIMBA project. The dialogue highlighted the strategic role of the agri-food sector and confirmed that, thanks to this program, Moldova is on the right track towards modernizing agribusiness.
Graduates enthusiastically shared their experiences, highlighting:
- The relevance and coherence of the curriculum: the vital connection between the modules on agricultural economics, finance, marketing, strategic management, and digitalization.
- The quality of teaching: the essential contribution of local and international professors from the AgriMBA network and the immediate applicability of the topics covered.
- Practical usefulness: concrete examples of applying knowledge—from process optimization and innovative product launches to investment projects and the implementation of new business models.
- Personal and professional impact: the development of leadership and negotiation skills and the creation of an active professional network—the core of the new generation of leaders in agribusiness.
UTM emphasizes the need for continuity of the MBA Program in Agribusiness, given that it responds to a real need for training leaders and managers in the agri-food sector who are capable of managing modern and sustainable businesses. The need to strengthen innovation and management skills in line with Moldova’s integration into the European economy. Graduates will be invited to stay connected as part of the AgriMBA Alumni Moldova network, a commitment to mentoring, experience sharing, and continuing education.
The highlight of the ceremony celebrating the first graduating class of the MBA in Agribusiness program was the presentation of diplomas by Prof. Agata MALAK-RAWLIKOWSKA from Warsaw University of Life Science, president of the AgriMBA Network, together with representatives from MAIA, ADMA, OPTIM, AGRIMBA, and UTM. It is a certificate of excellence, recognized at European level and connected to international standards of training in agribusiness. This official recognition validates the effort and dedication of the graduates.
The event ended with a networking & fourchette session, which gave graduates, partners, and teachers the opportunity to celebrate achievements, strengthen professional ties, and discuss future ideas, collaborations, and initiatives that will continue to transform Moldova’s agriculture into a competitive, smart, and sustainable sector.
The first MBA class in Agribusiness is becoming the core of a new generation of leaders, ready to transform the agricultural potential of the Republic of Moldova into a European success story. We look forward to seeing you at UTM to witness this turning point! We are celebrating not only the completion of a program, but also the launch of a new era in Moldovan agribusiness!
