Author: ACE Comms Team

RWESCK Pioneers Digital Transformation and Sustainable Solutions in Water and Environmental Sanitation

In the pursuit of water and environmental sustainability, the need for key interventions and innovations is not just a necessity, but a collective responsibility. The Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK) stands at the forefront, continuously raising the bar in water and sanitation innovation. Through tailored interventions, RWESCK is dedicated to achieving water and environmental sustainability through digital skills development training, international certification, and ground-breaking technological inventions.

RWESCK Digital Skills Development

Digital skills development workshop
Digital skills development workshop

RWESCK has been harnessing IT expertise to train and empower a critical mass of professionals essential for pioneer sustainable solutions in water and environmental sanitation. One of its flagship interventions includes a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art digital skills development program. The program has trained individuals in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data analytics, and digital literacy, all tailored to revolutionize the water and sanitation sector. In collaboration with AgroParisTech and other French partners, and with generous

GSA and RWESCK Management Staff at the partnership development meeting
GSA and RWESCK Management Staff at the partnership development meeting

funding from the French Embassy in Ghana, RWESCK has not only provided skills development but has also catalyzed a transformative shift in Ghana’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. Powered by technologies like AI, big data, and IoT, the initiative aims to reshape the delivery of WASH services in the country. Since 2019, RWESCK has successfully trained more than 70 Ph.D. candidates and over 125 MSc students in the field of water and sanitation management, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.

 

ISO 17025 Certification of RWESCK Lab: A Collaborative Endeavour with Ghana Standards Authority

In line with its commitment to conducting world-class research and elevating laboratory services to international standards, RWESCK has invested in state-of-the-art equipment. The centre is currently collaborating with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to attain ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Certification for it’s advanced laboratory facilities. This certification will enable the center to provide valuable support to commercial entities and significantly advance research in the water and sanitation sectors.

 

Innovative Rotary Dryer Technology for Food Waste Processing

The center’s continued focus on nurturing students capable of developing innovative and sustainable solutions has led to the creation of a revolutionary rotary dryer. Spearheaded by Mr. Joseph Kwarko-Kyei, a Master’s degree alumnus of RWESCK, this ingenious device addresses food waste management challenges.

A showcase of the Rotary Dryer developed by Mr. Joseph Kwarko-Kyei with support from RWESCK
A showcase of the Rotary Dryer developed by Mr. Joseph Kwarko-Kyei with support from RWESCK

The dryer efficiently collects food waste, dries it, and then mills it into powder, which can be utilised as animal feed. The device is used to tackle waste management concerns while providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical feeds. Beyond waste management, the dryer holds broader applications, including the production of organic fertilizers, thereby reducing Ghana’s reliance on imports.

These sustainable interventions stand as a testament to RWESCK’s dedication to fostering innovation while addressing real-world challenges in water and environmental sanitation.

Transforming Sanitation in Burkina Faso: The 2iE’s Revolutionary Approach to Ending Open Defecation

Introduction

Access to proper sanitation and a clean environment is more than a health concern; it is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The United Nations recognizes access to clean water, sanitation, and health (WASH) as a human right and a crucial aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, with only about five years remaining, the achievement of this all-important SDG target seems unattainable, mainly owing to bad environmental practices such as open defecation. Open defecation – the act of disposing of human waste (called excreta) in open places rather than using a proper toilet facility – is a pervasive issue, particularly in rural Africa. In Burkina Faso, for instance, despite a general decline in open defecation (from 71.42% in 2000 to 47.98% in 2015), a staggering 65% of rural families still practiced open defecation as of 2023, underscoring the urgent need for action. The consequences of open defecation are severe and include the spread of diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, environmental pollution, and the contamination of water sources, which collectively hinder community development and overall health improvement.

 The 2iE’s Innovative Intervention

In addressing this environmental challenge latrine toilets have been identified as a cost-effective and potent solution for mitigating the incidence of open defecation and its associated mortality.  However, according to UNICEF, the financial resources required to construct and maintain latrine toilets are beyond the reach of most rural areas.  Currently, only 12% of rural inhabitants of Burkina Faso can afford and thus access a functioning latrine toilet. Consequently, the majority continue to practice open defecation, thereby endangering the health and safety of all, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, girls, and women.  In a bid to deal with this issue and realize the vision of an open defecation free country, the Center of Excellence for Engineering, Water, and Environment (CEA-2iE), one of five World Bank-initiated centers of excellence in Burkina Faso, has intervened to change the narrative and bring some respite to the country. The 2iE’s approach to dealing with open defecation has been unique. It collect’s the human waste from the environment, adds value to it, and ensures it is properly managed, recycled and utilized, rather than discarded in a hazardous way or left unattended. In collaboration with partners – Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (UJKZ) and the Research Institute of Applied Sciences and Technologies (IRSAT), both in Burkina-Faso, the center has facilitated the implementation of an excreta collection and treatment system in two villages, Nougou and Boussouma, located in the commune of Koubri. This system includes a compost toilet and a sanitation pit.

Compost bioreactor for processing the human waste to compost
Compost bioreactor for processing the human waste to compost

The compost toilet, also known as a compotoilet, is an ecological dry toilet featuring a defecation cabin and a bioreactor. The defecation cabin serves as the toilet, collecting all excreta, while the bioreactor functions as a chamber that biologically converts organic matter into mineral matter. The resulting compost, a by-product of this process, is utilized by rural Burkinabe communities as organic fertilizer for their farms and family vegetable gardens, enhancing plant growth and increasing agricultural yield.

Acceptance/Impact of the Technology

A performance and acceptability evaluation of the toilet and a quality test of the compost by the institute have produced highly favorable results, marking the success and impact of this strategic and timely intervention, thanks to the center’s participatory approach to the process. This remarkable feat has thus inspired the center to take another bold stride and extend this initiative to other communities in need. With the broad aim of technology transfer, the center has developed a comprehensive guide to raise awareness among those communities and provide training on the technical and operational aspects of constructing and using this ecological and environmentally friendly technology.  The guide also covers the conditions for reclaiming sanitation by-products from the compost toilet. By following the instructions in this training guide, the center aims to ensure efficient operation and proper maintenance of the technology, contributing to a sustainable environment. Scientific studies have shown that improved sanitation can reduce the transmission of enteric pathogens and intestinal parasites, decreasing morbidity and mortality, especially in children (Mara, 2017). CEA-2iE believes that ensuring a universal, sustainable, clean, and healthy environment is crucial across all development aspects, as outlined in the SDGs. In addition to the obvious benefits such as improved health and well-being offers to the population, the center is confident that availing this essential amenity of safe and clean toilets to them will also contribute to the accomplishment of other SDGs. For example, access to clean and safe toilets can enhance educational outcomes, aligning with SDG4, and reduce gender disparities, as targeted by SDG5.  Besides, access to clean water and sanitation directly impacts economic growth (SDG 6).

The compost produced using 2iE’s innovative technology can further be used as organic fertilizer for gardening as well as agricultural, aquacultural, and horticultural activities to help increase farm yields, end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture, in line with SDG2. By supporting rural Burkina Faso to eventually eradicate open defecation, better manage the excreta, and achieve food security, 2iE is also significantly contributing to achieving the objectives of the ‘Programme National d’Assainissement des Eaux Usées et Excreta (PN-AEUE) 2016-2030′, a national programme aimed at improving public health and environmental conditions through the implementation of effective wastewater and excreta management systems.

 

Compost made from human waste
Compost made from human waste

Conclusion

The challenge of open defecation in rural Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, presents significant health and environmental risks that hinder sustainable development. The 2iE’s innovative approach, utilizing compost toilets and an excreta collection and treatment system, has demonstrated a practical and impactful solution. This intervention addresses immediate sanitation needs and contributes to broader goals such as agricultural productivity, food security, and public improvements.

Through strategic partnerships and community involvement, the 2iE has successfully implemented this technology in two villages, highlighting its potential for wider adoption. Producing compost from human waste offers an environmentally friendly fertilizer alternative, aligning with SDG2 on promoting sustainable agriculture. Moreover, the initiative supports several other SDGs, including enhancing educational attainment, reducing gender inequalities, and fostering economic growth.

As the 2iE extends its efforts to other communities, the promise of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment becomes increasingly attainable. By continuing to innovate and collaborate, the 2iE is transforming sanitation in Burkina Faso and paving the way for similar advancements across the continent. With ongoing support and adherence to best practices, eradicating open defecation and achieving universal access to adequate sanitation can move from a distant goal to a tangible reality.

Empowering Higher Education Excellence in Ghana: A Transformative Visit to University of Ghana ACE Impact Centres

On Friday, May 31, a team from the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) Regional Facilitation Unit at the Secretariat of the Association of African Universities (AAU) joined their colleagues from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the World Bank to embark on a crucial working visit to the three African Centres of Excellence at the University of Ghana, in Accra, Ghana.

The visit presented a unique and invaluable opportunity for the centres to share updates on their progress and challenges in line with project implementation.  More significantly, it allowed the team to gain direct insights into the impactful activities and remarkable results the centres had achieved. Through their presentations, the centres highlighted their commitment to innovation by sharing their outputs and impacts at institutional, regional, and global levels. These impacts are aligned with delivering quality education and addressing developmental challenges through research and innovation.

A projection of WACCI’s contribution to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in Africa
A projection of WACCI’s contribution to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in Africa

The centres also acknowledged the contributions of the national and regional facilitation units, GTEC and AAU, respectively, for their support and technical backstopping. In addition, they appreciated the World Bank’s vision for African higher education and its investments in supporting quality education on the continent.

The centres also took a moment to outline their project sustainability strategies, including establishing endowment funds, fostering local and international partnerships and collaborations, commercialising their state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge laboratory equipment, and instituting more capacity-building and training workshops and short courses. They also appealed to the World Bank to continually support them, have them in their new thinking, and ultimately consider their impactful achievements in case of extended opportunities. This way, they were sure of safeguarding the project and consolidating and extending its impact.

The team touring the state-of-the-art scientific laboratories built under the ACE Impact project at the University of Ghana
The team touring the state-of-the-art scientific laboratories built under the ACE Impact project at the University of Ghana

During the tour, the Directors of the three Centres—the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), the West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), and the West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC)—showcased their ultra-modern teaching and learning facilities and research laboratories established under the ACE Impact project.

The delegation was impressed by the centres’ significant achievements, particularly in research and their tangible impact on people’s lives through community engagement. Leading the World Bank team, the outgoing ACE Task Team Lead, Dr Ekua Bentil, commended the centre leaders for showing sterling leadership and congratulated all the centres’ members for feats achieved. She also praised the centres for the suit of success stories, especially in achieving gender balance, which is relevant to the project in line with the World Bank’s value of inclusiveness, integrating the ACEs into the University of Ghana structure, and initiating sustainability strategies.

Leadership of the ACE Impact project at the Regional, National, and Centre levels
Leadership of the ACE Impact project at the Regional, National, and Centre levels

Dr Bentil described the University of Ghana Centres of Excellence as among the best-performing centres under the ACE Impact project. She also encouraged them to broker more strategic partnerships and urged them to push even further for more results and even more impact, as Africa’s challenges were not entirely over. Dr Ekua Bentil assured the centres of the Bank’s unwavering support, emphasizing the Bank’s interest in investing in impact-driven initiatives.

Dr. Edmund Aalandong, Head of Policy and Planning at GTEC, the National Facilitation Unit for the ACE Impact project, commended three Centres for their remarkable achievements and significant impact. He hailed these Centres as models worthy of emulation by all tertiary education institutions in Ghana, especially in terms of quality assurance and programme accreditation. Dr. Aalandong pledged the Commission’s steadfast support and commitment to ensuring the project’s sustainability, which is crucial as the project concludes in June 2025.

Dr. Edmund Aalandong, Head of Policy and Planning at Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, announcing the Commission’s plan to set a platform for the Ghana ACE Impact centres to showcase their remarkable achievements and tangible impacts
Dr. Edmund Aalandong, Head of Policy and Planning at Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, announcing the Commission’s plan to set a platform for the Ghana ACE Impact centres to showcase their remarkable achievements and tangible impacts

In line with this commitment, Dr. Aalandong announced the Commission’s plan to hold its inaugural National Tertiary Education Conference in September 2024. This landmark event will invite ministers from the four relevant ministries—Education, Health, Agriculture, and Finance. The conference will provide a platform for the ACEs to present their tailored, innovative models designed to address Africa’s development challenges.

Speaking on behalf of her team, Dr Sylvia Mkandawire, AAU’s Senior Programme Manager in charge of the ACE Impact project, commended the World Bank, GTEC, and especially the leaders, faculty, researchers, staff, and other members of the three centres for their dedication and selfless contributions to their projects’ success. She assured the World Bank and the centres that she would continue to lead a committed team of experts at AAU to provide solid project implementation support for the regional project.

Following the Centre visits, the AAU team hosted the World Bank and GTEC teams at AAU’s Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, for a joyful and memorable celebration. The event had a dual purpose: to formally acknowledge the leadership changes in the ACE Impact project at the World Bank and to bid farewell to the outgoing Task Team Lead (TTL), Dr. Ekua Bentil while welcoming the incoming TTL, Dr. Namrata Tognatta.

AAU celebrating Dr Ekua Bentil for effective leadership and congratulating Dr Namrata Tognatta on her new role at the ACE Impact Task Team Lead at the World Bank
AAU celebrating Dr Ekua Bentil for effective leadership and congratulating Dr Namrata Tognatta on her new role at the ACE Impact Task Team Lead at the World Bank

The atmosphere at AAU’s Secretariat was filled with fond memories and well-wishes as Dr. Bentil, who has worked on the ACE program for nearly ten years, transitions to new professional opportunities within the World Bank. Ms. Nodumo Dhlamini, AAU’s Director of Communication, ICT, and Knowledge Management, spoke on behalf of Secretary-General Olusola Oyewole, lauding Dr. Bentil for her broad vision for Africa, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to quality. She noted that Dr. Bentil’s insistence on high standards once cost AAU a World Bank project but ultimately led to significant improvements and successes.

Having AAU repositioned and strengthened itself over the intervening years, Ms Dhlamini then appealed to the World Bank, through Dr Bentil, to consider the Association and leverage its acquired strength and position as the voice of higher education in Africa to implement more impactful educational projects and programmes in line with the Bank’s grand vision and direction for Africa. She further welcomed Dr. Tognatta and encouraged her to work to the best of her ability to push the project to an even greater height.

For her part, Dr. Bentil appreciated the AAU, emphasising teamwork and cooperation as the hallmark of successful project implementation. She also thanked the AAU’s management and staff, especially the ACE Impact team, for their commitment and dedication to the project.

ACE International Partnership Workshop: Experts Brainstorm Innovative Solutions to Africa’s Water and Agriculture Challenges

In May 2024, the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) program held its inaugural international partnership workshop. Over 400 higher-education stakeholders, researchers, and innovators from over 20 countries convened in Mauritius to foster partnerships and chart a sustainable path to Africa’s development, through the ACE program’s contribution. Several sessions were organized according to the ACE initiative’s thematic areas to ensure a well-coordinated workshop and fruitful deliberations. Session III featured a panel discussion focused on the research and innovations being conducted by the Centres of Excellence in the thematic areas of Water and Agriculture. Moderated by Dr Uchechi Obinna, a researcher at the Centre of Expertise Water Technology (CEW), Leeuwarden in The Netherlands, the session aimed to foster an engaging and dynamic discussion on current research, innovation, and partnerships, particularly among the African Centres of Excellence and the European Centres of Excellence in the water and agriculture sectors. 

The esteemed panel of speakers included Prof. Harouna Karambari, Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence for Training and Research in Water Sciences and Technologies, CEA 2iE, Burkina Faso; Prof. Eric Danquah, Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), Ghana; Dr Hans Komakech from the Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Centre for the Futures (WISE FUTURES), Tanzania; and Dr Sera Gondwe from the Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agriculture Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship (TACE), Malawi. The other panelists were Messrs Pieter De Jong from the Wetsus European Centres of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, The Netherlands; Olof Blomqvist from the Climate Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), Lund University, Sweden; and Matija Zulj, Founder and CEO of the Digital Agriculture Solutions for Agri-Food Value Chain (AGRIVI), a specialized AgTech company that delivers farm management softwares. 

Image of Prof Danquah

The session commenced with a discussion on agriculture and water innovations and emphasised the significance of these areas for development in Africa and globally. 

Speakers from the various participating Centres of Excellence demonstrated strong performances across key performance indicators (KPIs) in these thematic areas. They discussed various topics such as water treatment, digital education, agricultural innovation, and research and their associated challenges, raising concerns about issues related to water, agriculture, and contamination, particularly in regions known for e-waste contamination like Nigeria and Ghana and emphasising the need to explore areas of potential collaborations in addressing these safety and pollution issues. They also discussed the impact of agricultural programmes in West Africa, including specific examples of successful initiatives, partnerships, and future goals, and outlined clear next steps, which emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, commercialization, and strategic management in dealing with the related challenges. 

Challenges and Interventions

The panellists highlighted some of Africa’s development challenges. They identified malnutrition, low food production, and hunger as some of the numerous challenges in Africa, revealing that one out of every five Africans suffers from chronic hunger. They also mentioned the impact of climate change, loss of soil fertility, and the barriers to technology adoption in agriculture, especially the cost of technology.  

In tackling Africa’s numerous challenges, especially the issues of malnutrition, low food production, and chronic hunger, the speakers of this all-important session acknowledged the significant contributions of various interventions, such as the establishment of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) in Ghana, the Regional Centre of Excellence on Avian Sciences (CERSA) in Togo, and other Centres of Excellence in other countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Nigeria, Niger, and Senegal. 

The speakers also unanimously emphasised the importance of international partnerships and collaborative research for the centres of excellence to consolidate their contributions and achieve sustainable impact. In terms of these international partnerships and research impact, reference was made to, and lessons drawn from, the success stories of the establishment of Wetsus European Centres of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology and their international collaborations with countries like Kenya and South Africa and partnerships with development organisations like the World Bank Group. 

In his presentation, Wetsus’s Pieter De Jong emphasised the importance of collaborations and partnerships, especially to overcome the barriers to technology adoption in agriculture. He expressed his Centre’s continual commitment to ensuring effective water treatment, enhancing digital education, and supporting appropriate tailor-made technology solutions. To this end, Pieter revealed Wetsus’s imminent plan to launch the World’s first water MBA programme and a special Water-For-All Programme, aimed at enrolling students in solution-oriented programmes in Europe. 

He also outlined the organisation’s plan to work on implementing carbon filters, testing water filters, developing standards, and establishing digital education centres in collaboration with partners to provide safe water and enhance learning opportunities. 

On agricultural innovation and partnerships, Wetsus aims to commercialise crop varieties, support entrepreneurship activities, and leverage regional and international partnerships to enhance agricultural innovation and agribusiness ventures. 

Proposed Solutions and Key Next Steps

For impactful research and innovation in the water and agriculture sectors, the panellists proposed engaging in dialogue and generating ideas in tackling current challenges and fostering future collaborations and partnerships between Africa and Europe. They also emphasized optimism that such collaborations and partnerships between the two continents will occur despite possible financial challenges. 

The panellists outlined some collaboration strategies in research projects, emphasising the need to coordinate research projects and prioritize infrastructure investments to create impact and optimise water systems for better efficiency. They also agreed on the importance of selecting a few strategic research partners and industry collaborators for effective collaborations, emphasising quality over quantity. 

To ensure efficient private-public partnerships and innovation collaboration, participants expressed the need to seek guidance from institutions with experience in forming partnerships to avoid common mistakes and accelerate the commercialisation of innovations. 

In terms of commercialisation of research findings, the speakers discussed the approach of translating research findings into practical applications, identifying innovations, supporting innovations, protecting IPs, and collaborating with partners for commercialisation. The next steps also involved assessing the readiness levels of innovators, supporting them, and moving towards specialisation. The speakers highlighted the importance of partnering with internal and external institutions, focusing on common goals, leveraging partnerships, and identifying value within partners to drive commercialisation. 

The session was a testament to global collaboration for innovative water and agriculture solutions, covering discussions on agriculture and water innovations, and emphasising their significance for development not only in Africa but globally. Panellists shared great insights on the importance of focusing on innovations in these areas, underscoring the shared commitment to addressing the associated global challenges. Clearly there are immense opportunities for ACEs to collaborate and partner among themselves and also with institutions in Europe and elsewhere. 

ACE International Partnership Workshop: Centres of Excellence Showcase Groundbreaking Innovations

In a landmark event aimed at showcasing the transformative potential of academic research and innovations by the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) and promoting the forging of partnerships between stakeholders from Africa and other continents, the ACE Programme hosted its maiden Partnership Workshop in May 2024 in Mauritius.  

The dynamic Pitching Session, a key highlight of the workshop, presented groundbreaking innovations developed by the ACEs.  The session for the presentation of these innovative projects that address critical societal challenges, was facilitated by Dr. Danica Ramljak, a Senior Science and Innovation Consultant at the World Bank, and her team of experts. The World Bank’s presence, represented by Dr. Namrata Tognatta, Senior Education Specialist and ACE Impact Task Team Lead underscored the importance of these projects and the investment opportunities they offer.   

The innovations presented by the Africa Centres of Excellence during the session are not only scientifically robust but also commercially viable. They address pressing global challenges and offer substantial investment opportunities for stakeholders in the private sector. Investors are invited to collaborate with these centres to bring these game-changing innovations to market and contribute to societal advancement while reaping substantial financial returns. These commercialisable innovations serve as a powerful testament to the impact of academic research and its potential to drive economic and social transformation across Africa. 

Overall, 13 innovative projects were showcased during the session, highlighting the impressive range of solutions developed by teams of renowned subject-matter experts from the centres. Though only a selection of projects was presented due to time constraints, the centres have many more outstanding projects to share with interested parties and collaborators. A brief highlight of each presentation is provided below: 

  

  1. CEFOR Enterprise Resource Planning Software – an innovation by the Africa Centre for Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.One of the standout presentations was by the Centre for Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR) from the University of Port Harcourt. The team, represented by its Centre Leader and its ICT Head, Mr. Daniel Okone, showcased their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. The university, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and robust intellectual property and technology transfer, has developed this ERP software to revolutionize resource management and organizational administration. The software offers a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning solution with multiple modules including E-Administration, E-Projects, E-Monitoring and Evaluation, E-Call for Proposals, E-Procurement, E-Assets/Inventory, E-Accounting/E-Auditing, and Cybersecurity.  It addresses the problem of manual repetitive tasks, low productivity, and high organisational costs. Its all-in-one nature and competitive advantages make it attractive for diverse sectors and stakeholders, including governments, universities, non-profits, corporate organisations, and donor-funded/funding organisations.
     
  2. ToxoRap Test Kit (a molecular diagnostic kit) – invented by the African Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB), Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria 

    Another significant innovation unveiled to participants at the pitching session was a molecular diagnostic kit designed for detecting and genotyping Toxoplasma Gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a water and food-borne zoonotic disease of public health concern with one-third global prevalence (Almeria and Dubey, 2021).​ Infection of pregnant women and children, especially those who are congenitally infected (infected in the womb), can lead to serious health issues and, in some cases, death. Treatment and effective management of toxoplasmosis is hinged on early detection and accurate diagnosis​. The ToxoRap Kit provides results within 4.5 hours, significantly faster than current market solutions, which require 20 -36 hours for diagnostic results to be ready. Additionally, it fills the gap of the current unavailability of a singular diagnostic tool that combines both detection and genotyping, which are  needed to foster effective treatment procedures.   

    The presentation indicated that the ToxoRap Kit is clinically suitable, sensitive for early diagnosis of toxoplasmosis to the genotypic level and comes with an illustration of the working steps and principle involved in the diagnostic tool​, that is, the procedure for collection of samples (blood, fluid, fecal or tissue) from suspected infected person or animal or environment.  The ToxoRap Test Kit has been proven to detect and genotype T. gondii at low infection density and different stages (life cycle) of the parasite, which is not the case for the test kits currently available on the market. 
     

  3. Production and Commercialization of Ghee-based Products – by the Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Centre (PHARBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science and Technology, MUST, Uganda. 

    This innovative project seeks to upscale industrial-grade ghee production in Western Uganda in partnership with farmers and establish efficient marketing and distribution systems for the purified ghee and various ghee-based products. Its vision is to convert local resources into high-quality industrial grade raw materials and world-class products. Currently, 70% – 80% of materials are imported for cosmetic and drug production at a commercial level, even though only 1.1 million of the 8.8 million liters of milk produced in Uganda are consumed.  Cow ghee has proven to be excellent for topical drug delivery. So far, products generated from the Purified-Ghee have met industrial-grade specifications, with promising end-user feedback, therefore upscaling production of the industrial-grade ghee and related products will contribute to import substitution and boost farmers’ household income.  A competitive landscape analysis revealed that the Ghee-based products meet a lot more parameters than other products on the market, which are petroleum-based and gel-based. These included antioxidant, anti-aging, and skin cleansing activity. It is also 100% natural and compatible with the human body, has moisturizing effects, and remains stable in aqueous product formulations. 

  4. ​Development and Evaluation of Rapid Test Kit for Detection of Respiratory Infections by the Africa Centre of Excellence in Materials, Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO), Makerere University, Uganda. 

    Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, are a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality among children and the elderly in Uganda and other developing countries. ​The Centre’s mission is to be a regional leader in the development of low-cost Point-of-Care (POC) Testing devices for respiratory infections. This innovation introduces the added value of a low-cost test kit to the market, as the currently available methods are quite expensive. The team envisions producing test devices that will cost less than 1 USD (each), hence cheaper to use in resource-limited settings. Generally, the team is working on other projects/products, including Covid-19 antibody RDT​, RDT for detecting pneumonia-causing pathogens​, and RDT for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
     

  5. Harvest Care (helps to extend the shelf life of farm produce)– Innovation by the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemicals, Textile and Renewable Energy, Moi University, Kenya.

    A total of 1,024,500 metric tons of mangoes are produced annually in Kenya (HCD, 2021); however, losses in quality and quantity occur during the production, postharvest, and processing as well as the supply chain at an estimated 40%–50% of the total output.​ This loss has dramatically worsened Kenya’s food insecurity and attainment of SDG 2. Harvest Care is, therefore, an innovative product by the Centre of Excellence, which comes in strongly to reduce these food losses.  It is a pure organic liquid product that extends the shelf life of Mangoes, for more than 3 weeks, and can help to greatly reduce financial losses.  Its unique value proposition includes the fact that it is cost-effective as local raw materials are used in its production, it presents no health concerns due to its usage of bio-preservatives. Harvest Care is eco-friendly and requires no electricity in its application. By way of scaling up, other market segments, aside from the mango market, that are targeted include other fruit produce, such as tomatoes, pawpaws, oranges, apples, and avocadoes.   
  6. Chiweto – (Delivering Inclusive Digital Solutions for Farmers) – An invention by the Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agriculture Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi 

    This innovation directly responds to the problem of poor veterinary services offered to farmers, where the current statistics reveal 1:14,139 veterinarian to farmers’ ratio.  There is also lack of information and limited skills to access information, where farmers cannot directly access needed information for their work.  This causes losses in, for instance, the cattle rearing market, where the smallholder dairy industry in Malawi, loses up to $300,000 daily to low mild yield (10/cow/d). Its competitive advantage over other solutions on the market relates to its real-time nature and the interactive functions of the solution. It is also a bundled digital service and can easily be accessed on one’s phone. In addition to offering veterinary information and services to cattle farmers, it has an insurance component that aims at insuring 50,000 cattle in its target countries by 2027. 
     

  7. LAAFI Monitor – by the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 

    This innovation is based on the LAAFI CONCEPT, which focuses on the management and intelligence of the cold chain for emergency products that are extremely sensitive to heat.​ One key sector that uses this monitor is the health sector – especially its immunization processes and others.  Another is the agricultural sector, as it records at least 58% of food losses (WFP, 2021).  The monitor captures temperature, humidity levels, has an onboard memory of up to 1 year of data recording and presents a swappable battery. Other products generated by the Centre along these lines include the Laafi Bag (produced in 2018), which serves as an active cooling backpack for pharmaceuticals. The Laafi Monitor, produced in 2021, is also a monitoring device for pharmaceuticals.  The target clients for the products are typically ministries of health, laboratories, UN agencies, ministries of agriculture, private companies, pharmacies, and others.  So far, these LAAFI concepts have been trusted by the Ministry of Health in Burkina FASO, the African Development Bank, and the UNDP’s Accelerator Labs.   

  8. Green AI SUCE (AI-Based Agricultural Supply Chain E-Commerce Application) – by OAK-PARK, ICT-Driven Knowledge Park (OAK-PARK) at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

    This innovation seeks to respond to the problem of wastage that the agricultural sector faces due to the untimely delivery of farm produce directly to consumers, among others.  The supply chain e-commerce application developed by the OAK-PARK team of experts seeks to be the most extensive AI-based smart agricultural supply chain solution in Africa worth $5.01billion profitability with increased 50% GDP. Its offers and solutions are countless, including expanding production, market access, providing real-time monitoring, offering profit maximization strategies, providing data-driven insights, streamlining the supply chain, providing intelligent logistics, and securing financial transactions. 
    The application allows farmers to upload available products​ and request warehousing and logistics services and financial aid.  Farmers can​ rent farm machinery and purchase farm inputs among a host of other supply chain requirements. The Green AI-SUCE is designed to respond to farmers’ various requirements. It offers key competitive advantages, such as a digital wallet, being accessible via a mobile phone, offering real-time delivery monitoring and being readily available in Nigeria.   OAK-PARK invites stakeholders and investors to join the team in revolutionizing agriculture in Africa.
     
  9. Modified Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for Termites Control – Africa Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria 

    This project presents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for termite control using modified Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles. It presents a solution in response to the devastating ability of termites to inflict structural damage, which poses a significant threat to both urban environments and agricultural landscapes, leading to crop destruction in some cases. To avert termites triggered food shortages and post-harvest food losses, there are various chemical pesticides and insecticides on the market. However, concerns are raised about the environmental impact of such products and their effect on human health. As a response, the project team from the centre modified Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles of different concentrations, with a powerful effect on termite, addressing the limitations of traditional termite control methods. This product is harmless to agricultural produce and humans, as they serve as part of the composition of some human body creams. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of this product makes it a true game changer in the industry.
     
  10. Antimicrobial Nano-reinforced Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogel (BCH) from Agro-residues: Production and Application in Wound Healing, ACENTDFB, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria​

    ACENTDFB has developed a technology for producing high-yield and quality BCH from agro-wastes, which is applicable in treating burns, diabetic foot ulcers, and other conditions. This innovation utilizes genetic engineering and process optimization to obtain high-quality BCH. There is an increasing demand for BCH as pharmaceutical raw material, and ACENTDFB has the technology to respond to this demand. The invention utilised genetic engineering and process optimization to develop a technique for obtaining high yields of BCH from locally isolated microorganisms grown on agro wastes.  
  11. Harnessing the Power of Microalgae to Tackle Malnutrition Sustainably – Presented by the Africa Centre of Excellence in Food and Nutrition Security (CREATES-FNS), the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania

    This initiative targets providing nutrient-dense microalgae-based products that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective, and it has the vision of revolutionizing nutrition using sustainable microalgae-based solutions.  GAIN, 2024 posits that one in three people worldwide suffers from one or multiple forms of malnutrition, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) indicates that 795 million people do not get the food they need to live healthy lives. The implications of Malnutrition are dire, as, among others, it contributes to increased mortality rates, reduced productivity and inhibited cognitive and physical development, particularly in children.  

    The solution introduced by CREATES-FNS ranges from the microalgae powder itself to different formulations that emerge from the innovations undertaken by the team. The solution is unique because it uses environmentally friendly, highly productive, and cost-effective microalgae cultivation technology. The centre’s production methodology also increases productivity by 25 times, lowers production costs by more than 50%, and reduces land use by 200 times compared to traditional pond systems, which competitors largely depend on.  This invention is backed by science, continuous research and innovation, thereby ensuring sustainability in producing diverse bioactive nutrients.​
     

  12. Production of Cement Using Natural Pozzolanic Material​, Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Futures (WISE-Futures) Centre​, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Arusha, Tanzania 

    This project introduces the value of producing high-quality cement for construction projects, at affordable prices while promoting an eco-friendly environment. The current challenge in the construction venture is that the available ordinary Portland cement emits high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby contributing to environmental pollution. Its energy consumption is also high and its cementing materials have less strength and durability.  

    WISE-Futures has, therefore, developed an innovative production process for cement that leverages natural pozzolanic material.  This product increases the strength of the cementing material by more than 53% and reduces energy consumption and cost by 45% and 12% respectively.  Its CO2 emissions are also reduced by at least 9%. Among others, this product can be used to construct short and high-rise buildings, bridges and dams​, highways and railways​, blocks and paving​, and pre-cast concrete production.  

  13.  Strengthening Ghana’s Tomato Industry – Presented by the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Ghana  

This project’s vision is to establish Ghana as a self-sufficient tomato-producing nation by 2025.​ It targets empowering local farmers with innovative techniques and high-yielding varieties, enhancing food security and nutrition through increased local tomato production, offering profitable opportunities for farmers with high-yielding tomato varieties, reducing dependency on costly tomato imports, and fostering economic growth of the country.  There is a vast tomato supply gap in Ghana, where demand for tomatoes surpasses local production capacity. The challenges include poor yield per hectare and the limited availability of high-quality seeds and farming practices.  The national proposed strategy is to increase local tomato production by 314,000 Metric Tons within three years and introduce high-yielding tomato varieties.  WACCI has, therefore, intervened through its introduction (and production) of certified high-yielding (50 MT/ha) tomato seeds to the Ghanaian market. Its facilitation of on-farm trials and demonstration plots, as well as training programmes for youth and farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), are game changers.  

The significant gap between demand and supply presents a lucrative opportunity for growth and investments.  The current estimated fresh tomato requirement for self-sufficiency in Ghana is 1.8 – 2.2 million metric tons, while the local production stands at 510,000 metric tons only.​ WACCI is therefore calling on investors and collaborators to join the team in empowering farmers and securing Ghana’s tomato future.   

The Call to Investors and Interested Parties

Investors and interested parties with aligned visions and seeking to collaborate with the Africa Centres of Excellence to commercialise these innovations or engage with the centres on these inventions are invited to contact the ACE Programme’s Regional Facilitation Units – The Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa, via the indicated Programme Managers: 

Engaging Africa’s Academic Leaders for Enhanced Global Collaboration

The ACE Programme hosted its maiden Africa Centres of Excellence International Partnership Workshop in May 2024 in Mauritius. A key event on the final day, May 10th, 2024, was a pivotal side meeting attended by nearly 40 university presidents hosting various Africa Centers of Excellence in the programme’s key thematic areas. The discussions, facilitated by Dr. Roberta Malee Bassett, Global Lead for Tertiary Education at The World Bank, underscored the critical importance of international and regional partnerships, examining both the challenges and potential benefits of these collaborations. 

Feedback from University Presidents 

To foster growth and development, it was highlighted that universities need exposure to diverse perspectives to achieve global relevance and cultural intelligence. Currently, internationalization remains a core focus for many African universities, with most establishing dedicated international offices. International partnerships, such as those with cluster universities in Belgium and agricultural programs with German universities, also emerged as being crucial as it provides students with world-class lab experiences and practical learning opportunities on farms. 

The university presidents indicated that long-term collaborations tend to be more effective, with a preference for two-way partnerships. While most current collaborations focus on student exchanges, there is a desire for more faculty involvement. It was indicated that meaningful partnerships should lead to local capacity building while acknowledging the existing skills within partner organizations.

Case Studies of Successful Collaborations
 

  • Harvard University Collaboration: Through a research growth collaboration with Havard University, one university indicated it has developed a strong team of researchers and changed the research culture in its medical school.
      
  • University of Benin: Some institutions such as the University of Benin in Nigeria mentioned benefiting from acquiring simulation labs through their partnership with Havard University. The University President said that this partnership had strengthened their research teams and empowered staff. The University of Benin wants to collaborate around equity / women empowerment and to be capacitated to tell their stories in terms of numbers. 
  • Haramaya University: The University President noted that most international partnerships in his institution were realized through the personal engagements of staff or through conference contacts. The University had since worked towards institutionalizing partnerships through the establishment of an international office and recruitment of a Fulbright fellow to manage it.
     
  • Leveraging Staff Connections/Networks:  Some universities reported establishing partnerships with leading global universities through the connections of their academic staff. The excellent performance of some staff in specific projects, had led to the expansion of some initiatives. It was also indicated that effective partnerships require close engagements and for the university leadership to be involved in the framing of the research questions and the determination of the partnership agenda. 

Contribution of the ACE Program in Facilitating Partnerships

The University Presidents cited several global universities that they were collaborating with and underscored the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) Program as being instrumental in branding African universities, making them attractive for global partnerships. Aside from this, the ACE programme has various initiatives at the project to promote partnerships between the centres and among them and other institutions. The inter-ACE Networks, for instance, is a shining example of such strategies. The university presidents also expressed concerns about sustaining ACE activities, citing the need for advanced labs, physical infrastructure, and the development of soft skills of researchers. 

Internationalization and Strategic Planning 

The University of Mauritius agreed that internationalization was very important and constituted a top priority in their latest strategic plan. They reported having an increased international visibility partly due to the various ranking schemes. Mauritius has a unique case of a decreasing population – leading to a need to attract international students for the local universities to remain viable. The President was concerned about the limited long-term funding to sustain collaborations.  

From the discussions, it became clear that African Universities want to engage more closely with other universities and countries on the continent and beyond. As part of their strategies, some universities in Africa offer tuition differentials to attract regional students for other parts of Africa. The President of the University of Port Harcourt emphasized that African Universities needed to also look within Africa in terms of collaborations and partnerships. He reiterated the need for African Universities to highlight what they bring to the table when partnering with global universities. It was mentioned that The World Bank used to reward non-African partnerships, but this has since changed. 

Examples of Intra-African Collaborations 

The RUFORUM Graduate Training Assistantship (GTA) was highlighted as a good example of collaboration among African Universities. The RUFORUM GTA facilitates pairing of universities to train each other’s staff for free while leveraging the teaching skills of the staff being trained. Additionally, the university of Zambia advocated for collaborations guided by the African Union Agenda 2063 and regional agendas such as SADC, EAC, ECOWAS, and ECCAS.

Encouraging Institutional Engagement and Partnerships 

University presidents were encouraged to proactively seek partnerships rather than waiting for faculty to initiate them. For example, Mbarara University of Science & Technology in Uganda successfully secured a $10 million partnership with Virginia University to support faculty training. Additionally, collaborative proposals were noted to have a higher likelihood of securing funding, with younger universities advised to leverage the expertise of more established institutions. 

Covenant University highlighted the importance of promoting faculty mobility. Despite the risk of losing staff, the institution values the exposure faculty gain from such mobility. It also runs an International Visiting Scholars (IVS) program, which features international faculty teaching virtually as part of its engagement strategies. 

At Redeemer’s University, strategic recruitment is a key focus. The university has successfully recruited a renowned scientist from Harvard University, creating a stimulating work environment to attract post-docs from top universities globally.

Contributions to the Partnerships Discussions by Various Institutions 

Various participating institutions shared valuable insights and examples of successful collaborations that have significantly impacted their academic and research capabilities. 

Bayero University Kano highlighted its benefit from the WANIDA network, which helped them acquire a sequencing machine. University Presidents confessed that they are sometimes unaware of the equipment within their universities. They emphasized the importance of universities collaborating within a country and across Africa, despite the challenges in aligning goals with other institutions. 

The University of Oslo in Norway, a strong research-based university, indicated having grown through carefully cultivated partnerships and collaborations. The Rector stressed the importance of African universities collaborating with each other while also prioritizing linkages with universities in Europe, the Americas, Asia, China, and other continents. African universities were advised to own these collaborations and commit to investing resources. 

Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, which is sixty-two years old, was built largely on partnerships with Russia. They highlighted that staff exchanges should include administrative personnel as beneficiaries to strengthen their capacities. The university prioritizes partnerships to address national challenges. 

Covenant University in Nigeria encourages faculty mobility, despite the risk of losing staff. They recognize the immense value of exposure and run the International Visiting Scholars (IVS) program, where international faculty teach students virtually. The university has been intentional about collaborations, even though funding remains a challenge. 

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) urged universities not to be limited by language differences in Africa and to collaborate with their peers. They identified a gap related to the absence of a database showing universities’ strengths and interests. A Secretariat should be established to manage such a database. 

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Malawi is celebrating 25 years of collaboration with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. This partnership has survived and grown due to political will from both countries and demonstrates that meaningful partnerships have long-term funding mechanisms. LUANAR is also training Gambian students at their AQUAFISH Center of Excellence. 

Redeemer’s University in Nigeria successfully recruited a renowned scientist from Harvard University, providing a stimulating work environment that attracts post-docs from top universities globally. The university has also established tenure track positions that are funded differently using grants they win. 

The President of the University of Malawi encouraged his colleagues to prioritize meeting and engaging with their African Vice Chancellor counterparts and not only respect colleagues from outside Africa. Universities were reminded that “funding is not a catalyst for good partnerships,” but good collaboration catalyzes funding. 

The Gambia is leveraging the capacities resident in Africa to train their future professors through partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana. A BSc in Engineering has been developed through these partnerships, with KNUST in Ghana assisting through the ACE Project to train their future academics. 

A representative from the Higher Education Commission of Mauritius provided information about opportunities offered by the Government of Mauritius to African countries. For the past 10 years, 50 scholarships have been offered annually to African students. The commission is constructing a database to support the strengthening of collaborations and is establishing a micro-credentials framework. The government also funds researchers from its public universities, focusing on impact and collaboration. 

The University of Cape Coast announced an upcoming meeting of Vice Chancellors under the Association of West African Universities in Senegal. The UCC University President also indicated that his university participates in the Times Higher Education rankings and is currently ranked number one in Ghana and West Africa, and seventh in Africa. 

Conclusion 

The side meeting underscored the need for African universities to take the lead in shaping partnership initiatives. Universities must be driven by strong ideological orientations, aligning collaborations with strategic goals and regional development agendas. The discussions and contributions highlighted the vital role of partnerships in enhancing the educational and research capabilities of African universities, promoting collaboration, and addressing regional and national challenges. 

 

ACE Partner Initiative Aligns with ACE Project Expectations

The establishment of 54 Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACEs) across eleven West African countries and Djibouti, under the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence Project marked a significant milestone in strengthening the capacities of African universities. The Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) an initiative, aimed at offering quality training and research for development, recognised the necessity of creating partnerships and collaborations with international universities and research centers, to extend its primary mandate of enhancing postgraduate education in Africa. 

As a strategy for partnering and collaboration, the ACE Partner project was conceived and designed by the World Bank, the Association of African Universities (AAU), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (Research Institute for Development) – IRD, and the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (Inria),  France. The primary objective of the project is to foster the positive influence and effective collaboration of thematic research networks among the ACEs. This involves engaging key stakeholders on issues related to promoting quality education and research while addressing essential national and regional development challenges.  

Supported by a financial contribution of 6-million Euros from the World Bank, AFD, and IRD, with an additional in-kind contribution of 700,000 Euros from Inria, the ACE Partner project has made considerable progress. The project comprises 23 ACEs across West African countries, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. These centres are organized into four thematic networks: Sustainable Water Management (RES’EAU), Responsible Mining and Sustainable Development (AMR2D), Digital Science and Technology Network (DSTN), and the Network of African Centres of Excellence on Infectious Diseases (WANIDA). Each network focuses on addressing specific regional and global challenges, fostering collaboration, and advancing research and innovation in their respective fields. 

A significant highlight of the initiative’s status and activities was presented during the ACE International Partnership Workshop held in Mauritius from May 8 to 10, which where a dedicated session showcased key achievements, findings, and lessons learned. Led by Dr. Hélène Kirchner, Research Director at the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (Inria), the ACE Partner initiative has reached impressive milestones over the past four years, focusing on building synergies, launching joint actions, and ensuring sustainability. 

Key Achievements 

In 2021, the ACE Partner initiative prioritized creating strong synergies among participating ACEs. This exercise involved forging robust scientific links, setting up an action plan, and establishing concrete collaborations. Efforts were also directed toward establishing governance structures, seeking synergies, enhancing mutual knowledge, and strengthening trust among the centres. 

Havingestablished these, the initiative moved to launch joint actions in 2022. This phase featured research collaborations, international co-publications, co-supervision of thesis grants, and joint scientific projects. Additionally, key components included hosting training sessions, organizing and participating in international scientific events like COP 21, engaging with the socio-economic environment, fundraising, lobbying, and expanding networks.  

Since the funding duration for the ACE Partner initiative was set to end in February 2024, sustainability became a critical focus in 2023. Networks began putting together joint responses to local, national, and international calls for proposals such as ARISE, Erasmus, MOBAF, IDF, NIH, NSF, and from institutions such as Wellcome Trust, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Other efforts included developing joint actions, committing to regional and transdisciplinary actions around the SDGs, promoting pan-African research on the international stage, and sharing a global vision on pressing issues. 

The ACE Partner project has recorded remarkable results, including 52 fellowships, 40 research projects with ACEs, 73 publications, 8 startup projects, 61 training sessions organized with ACEs, and 4.4 million Euros raised in externally generated funds.  

The initiative’s purpose was to understand and work to meet ACE Impact’s expectations including facilitating mobility for researchers and students, fostering collaborative research projects and securing inter-ACE theses grants for researchers and students. Other’s included fostering collaborative research projects and seeking funding and international collaborations, providing capacity building for ACEs, such as training in preparing responses to calls for tender, pooling resources and sharing experiences between ACEs, as well as supporting the achievement of ACE Impact initiatives. ACE Partner has effectively met these expectations, as evidenced by its accomplishments in building synergies, launching joint actions, achieving project results, and working to ensure its sustainability.  

Findings   

To assess the ACE Partner’s impact on the participating ACEs and the prospects for sustaining its networks, an internal assessment survey was conducted to obtain feedback and perspectives from ACEs. The survey covered five areas: research, resource sharing, higher education, transfer and innovation, and sustainability. 

The survey results indicated that Research was rated at 72%, Resource Sharing at 53%, Sustainability at 49%, Higher Education at 47%, and Transfer and Innovation at 43%. Overall, the initiative received positive feedback, with 43% and 33% of responses from ACEs respectively indicating a strong impact on the centres. Only 5% of respondents reported little impact on the project, marking a positive assessment of the initiative’s impact. 

Lessons Learned  

The respondents’ feedback provided a clear mandate for the continuation of certain activities. Specifically, the Higher Education Impact assessment revealed that training and mobility initiatives were strongly endorsed for continuation. Additionally, the Research impact assessment showed high ratings for the joint response to national, regional, and international tenders, inter-ACE research projects, master’s and thesis scholarships, workshops on priority themes for networks, research capacity-building workshops, and joint publications, signalling their relevance and importance. 

In the area of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation, the survey’s responses strongly emphasized the importance of organizing university-industry development workshops to disseminate research-innovation results. There was also a call for the creation of collaborative workspaces, such as open labs, where researchers and students can experiment and develop innovative ideas. Additionally, collaboration between university knowledge transfer and innovation departments was highlighted as crucial. Respondents recommended setting up programmes that allow students and researchers to receive input from industry experts to direct their research toward practical applications. 

Regarding Seeking Funding, respondents suggested the allocation of resources to support innovative projects through grants or funding competitions. They also emphasized the importance of joint R&D activities and industry collaboration and the potential for joint patents resulting from research grants awarded by the network. 

Regarding Sustainability, activities that survey respondents appreciated and recommended to be continued include the identification of regional and international funding opportunities, joint applications for international calls, capacity-building activities, and support in drafting responses to tenders. These activities are seen as crucial for the continued success and impact of the initiative, ensuring its long-term sustainability and effectiveness. 

During the presentation, Dr. Hélène Kirchner, the Research Director at the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (Inria) indicated that within the ACE Partner project, core networks had been built and consolidated, and the focus on network sustainability had begun. She, however, emphasized the need to strengthen the networks’ autonomy and sustainability in operational activities and financing. 

The presentation highlighted several challenges ahead, despite the project’s success. These include uneven and limited access to connectivity, the co-construction of university-industry projects, developing international contacts, resource sharing, training for support services, positioning of the ACE within the university, and the socio-economic environment of the participating ACEs. Additionally, matching training to socio-economic challenges such as healthcare, cyber-security, artificial intelligence (AI), and the climate crisis were emphasized as areas needing further attention and development. 

The ACE International Partnership workshop served as a platform for network coordinators to share their experiences.  Axel Belemtougri, the RES’EAU Coordinator, commended the project for fostering collaboration in training, resource sharing, and innovation. While acknowledging the strong individual capabilities of each centre, Belemtougri highlighted that collaboration leads to even greater success, particularly in securing research grants through joint bids. 

The importance of collaboration took centre stage as Dr. Manfreddy BINYET, the WANIDA Coordinator, highlighted the borderless nature of infectious diseases.  She emphasized that collaborative research holds immense power in generating impactful results that ultimately inform sound policy decisions.  This sentiment echoed the core value of the ACE Partner initiative, fostering collaboration for greater impact. 

Nicaise Ndam, a scientific referent for WANIDA, further underscored this notion by urging the networks to prioritize long-term sustainability.  He reassured them of continued support from scientific partners, emphasizing their commitment to aiding the networks in achieving this goal. 

AAU’s Secretary General, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, who moderated the discussion, enquired about strategies for establishing new networks. In response, Dr. Hélène Kirchner explained that this community should be built on shared goals, clear procedures for collaboration, and a commitment to ongoing evaluation and accountability. 

The session ignited a call for the non-participating ACEs to form new partnerships and networks amongst themselves as such collaboration platforms have the potential to significantly expand the project’s influence, strengthening the African research landscape to tackle challenges that transcend thematic boundaries.

ACE International Partnership Workshop Concludes: Celebrating Collaborative Achievements and Setting Future Directions

From May 8-10, 2024, the Regional Facilitation Units for the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) projects—the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)—in collaboration with the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), convened over 400 higher education stakeholders for the maiden ACE International Partnership Workshop. This high-level event was hosted at the Intercontinental Mauritius Resort, Balaclava Fort in Mauritius, and featured prominent government officials from Europe and Africa, representatives from the private sector, university leaders (Vice Chancellors), ACE academics from host institutions, and experts from policy think tanks and development partner organizations. 

The closing ceremony of the ACE International Partnership workshop marked a significant milestone in the journey of the ACE initiative. Dr. Robertta Bassit, Task Team Lead for ACE II and Global Lead for Tertiary Education at the World Bank, expressed her pleasure in being part of an initiative that has demonstrated remarkable growth, overcoming challenges to achieve impressive results. She appreciated the efforts of the IUCEA and the AAU teams for the successful organization of the event. Dr. Bassit underscored the inspirational commitment of the Vice Chancellors of the ACE participating institutions to supporting the community of African research and excellence. While stressing that the next steps after the ACE programme were being discussed within the World Bank, she encouraged key stakeholders to think ahead about the future of ACE beyond its current phase, by engaging with National and Regional Steering Committees to envision and proposing sustainable models. Highlighting the World Bank’s role as a bridge, she called on the centres to prepare for the eventual departure of World Bank support, by ensuring that they continue building on the achievements and efforts of the project. 

Transition in Leadership and Appreciation 

Dr. Ekua Nuama Bentil, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank and the ACE Impact Task Team Lead, expressed her gratitude to all participants, especially those from the US and Europe, as well as the ACE Impact and ACE II teams. She noted the importance of familiarizing the ACE stakeholders from the two teams with each other and strengthening collaborations, and praised the work done so far in making the centres globally visible. Dr. Bentil, who has been integral to ACE I, ACE II, and ACE Impact, announced her transition to another unit within the World Bank, introducing Dr. Namrata Tognatta as her successor and encouraging the teams to support her. Wrapping up her delivery, she said that the ACE programme, as evidenced by its numerous achievements, had reaffirmed that ‘Africa can’, and therefore it is expected that the project moves only upwards from now on. 

Mauritius Government’s Commitment to Higher Education 

Dr. Anjusha Durbarry, representing the Government of Mauritius, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Commission to the ACE community for hosting the maiden international partnership workshop in Mauritius. She highlighted the successful engagement with Mauritian higher education institutions, including the University of Mauritius, the University of Technology, Mauritius, the Open University of Mauritius, and the Mauritius Institute of Education. Dr. Durbarry affirmed Mauritius’s pride in Africa’s growth and commitment to innovation and collaboration. She commended the key achievements of the ACE programme, which were highlighted in the presentations by different stakeholders and through her participation in the event’s activities.

Reflections and Future Directions 

Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, commended all stakeholders for their contributions, emphasizing the workshop’s success in achieving its goals of peer learning, promoting collaborations, and strengthening private sector partnerships. He praised the teamwork between AAU and IUCEA and underscored the importance of the sustainability of the ACE programme. Prof. Banyankimbona reiterated IUCEA’s commitmentto supporting the centres in continuing their key roles as regional hubs of knowledge and impact. 

For his part, the Secretary General of the Association of African Universities, Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, appreciated Dr. Ekua Bentil’s contributions to the ACE Programme over the years and expressed a desire for continued collaboration, even as she moves to another role within the World Bank’s system. He outlined other initiatives that the AAU is engaged in, including the “Study in Africa” program aimed at promoting African universities as premier education destinations, and underscored the willingness of the AAU to promote the centres and collaborate with them under these initiatives. Prof. Oyewole also highlighted AAU’s role in championing the Pan African Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency and the Youth Mobility Scheme to promote staff and student mobility across African universities, including the Centres of Excellence. 

In his closing remarks, Prof. Oyewole expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcomes, urging participants to implement the key takeaways and action points. He reaffirmed AAU’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, offering AAU as a resource for stakeholders looking to grow various initiatives. 

The event concluded with appreciation to all participants and organizers, and with a special acknowledgment to the Mauritian officials for hosting the event and to Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire for her leadership of the ACE Impact team at AAU. The celebration of ACE at 10 years was also mentioned, with an event due to hold in September, as part of the activities to mark a decade of significant contributions to African higher education and research. 

Graduate Tracer Study Reveals Africa Centres of Excellence Graduates Make Giant Strides

83% of Graduates Gainfully Employed

From 8-10 May 2024 24, a crucial gathering took place in Balaclava, Mauritius, involving stakeholders and (prospective) partners of the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative who convened to respond to the urgent call for regional and cross-continental coordination and collaboration in addressing global challenges related to public health, climate change, food security, energy, water, and other urgent developmental concerns. 

Dubbed the Africa Centres of Excellence International Partnership Workshop, the three-day event brought together higher education representatives from the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the Association of African Universities, the Inter-University Council for East Africa, the African Union Commission, the European Union, the Africa Centres of Excellence, the European Centres of Excellence,  the governments of the participating centres of Excellence, the private sector, and other development agents to deliberate on advancing the 2023 AU-EU Innovation Agenda.  During the meeting, the project profiled its impactful journey and critical initiatives over the last ten years. 

Moderated by Prof. Kouami Kokou, a member of the ACE Impact Project Steering Committee from Togo, Plenary Session VI of the workshop was devoted to disseminating and discussing the outcomes of a survey undertaken to track the perceived performance, progress, and impact of ACE graduates, especially in the areas of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The survey, titled – ACE Program Graduate Tracer Study, was spearheaded by MyCos Data, an independent Data Survey & Evaluation and Consulting Services Firm based in China, which specialises in higher education management consulting, and the findings were presented by its Vice President of International Partnerships, Kate Wang.  

The 76-day survey had a response rate of 52%, with 4,295 out of 8,308 master’s and doctorate graduates participating. These graduates were from 65 of the 80 ACEs. Of the 4,295 total respondents, 3,818 were master’s graduates, while the remaining 477 were doctorate graduates from the ACEs. 

Survey Results: Research and Academic Activity 

The survey report indicates that the impact of the ACE initiative began manifesting even before its students graduated. According to the report, 68% of master’s graduates got involved in research projects, while 34% had at least one research paper published during their training period.  Additionally, after graduating from the Centres of Excellence, 47% continued to engage in research projects, and 25% published at least one research paper. 

The research and academic achievements of the ACE program were even more profound at the doctorate level. 80% of doctorate graduates responded to being involved in research projects, while 85% indicated having published research papers during their training under the ACE initiative. Of those whom the ACE model impacted after training, 69% were engaged in research projects, and 74% had research papers published. These achievements were despite mitigating challenges, mostly inadequate access to funding but partly challenges with the accessibility of journals and laboratories, physical environments, faculty expertise, and communication with programme administrators and faculty. 

Apart from students and graduates conducting their own research projects during and after the ACE training, at least the doctorate graduates also collaborated with international entities in the form of conferences and projects, which enhanced their research and academic exposure and expanded their worldview beyond the confines of their centres, universities, and countries. 

According to the survey report, 77% of the respondent ACE doctorate graduates collaborated in at least one international research conference, with 10% of them participating in more than five of those conferences during their training. Following graduation from the Centres of Excellence, another 64% of the graduates participated in at least one international research conference, with 14% featuring in more than five such conferences. Regarding international research project collaborations, 45% of the ACE doctorate graduates participated in at least one, with 2% participating in more than five during their training and 50% after graduation, with 3% participating in more than five of those international research project collaborations. 

Respondents also engaged with the private sector during their PhD studies at the ACEs, including participating in private sector-organized conferences, undertaking internships within private sector organizations, working on joint projects, commissioning research, and receiving additional training from the private sector. They also conducted contract research for the private sector and collaborated with their personnel. 

In terms of satisfaction, respondents were generally satisfied with their internships and industry collaboration experiences both on-campus (58%) and off-campus (45%) despite challenges like unhelpful guidance (11%), lack of respect for personal interest (8%), too much academic pressure (7%), difficulty with professional relationships (7%), irrelevance to the study (6%), and insufficient preparation from coursework (6%).  

Survey Results: Employment Status and Quality 

Besides the remarkable collaborative research and academic achievements, the ACE program also reported high employment rates. According to the report, more than half of ACE graduates found employment in various sectors—private entities, state-owned enterprises, state agencies, research institutions and academia, non-profit organizations, foreign entities, and joint ventures—even before graduation. Again, more than half of the remaining graduates also found jobs within the same year of graduation, with the remaining small percentage (about 15%) getting employed after one year. 

Of the 3,818 master’s graduate respondents, 3,169, representing 83%, were gainfully employed during the survey. Again, out of these 3,169 employed ACE masters graduates, 1,648, representing 52%, found jobs before they graduated; another 507 of them, representing 16%, found jobs within the first three months of graduation; 539 (17%) of them within one year of graduation, while the remaining 475, representing 15% got jobs after one year of graduation. 

Regarding the employment of PhD graduates, out of the 477 survey respondents, 415, representing 87%, were fully employed during the survey period. Again, out of these 415 employed ACE doctorate graduates, 245, representing 59%, got their jobs before graduating from the ACE programme; 58 (14%) of them within the first three months after graduation; another 58 (14%) of them within the first year after graduation; and the remaining 54 (13%) getting jobs after one year of graduation. 

Research Results: Entrepreneurship 

Even though more than half of the respondent ACE graduates (53% for master’s and 56% for doctorate) reported being satisfied with their jobs, good percentages also found themselves in entrepreneurship, a critical aspect of the ACE model. For instance, 10% of the respondent ACE masters graduates, and 12% of the respondent ACE doctorate graduates reported being entrepreneurs. Eight out of every 10 of these entrepreneurs (82% for master’s and 77% for doctorate) are working in for-profit sectors, while the remaining two of the 10 entrepreneurs (18% for master’s and 23% for doctorate) are working in non-for-profit organizations, all adding values to themselves and their families and filling developmental gaps through their research areas, sectors, and societies, thanks to the ACE program. 

Moreover, almost all respondent ACE graduate entrepreneurs (94% for master’s and 98% for doctorate) reported being influenced by the ACE model, with more than half in each case reporting a very significant impact of ACE. The aspects of the ACE education that impacted its graduates to become entrepreneurs range from formal training through coursework (69% for master’s and 58% for doctorate), interactions and collaborations with the private sector (45% for master’s and 53% for doctorate), and impact from degree programme mentors (36% master’s and 44% for doctorate). 

Student Satisfaction, Model Usefulness and Influence, and Alumni Recommendations 

Not only did respondents find teaching and learning under the ACE educational model satisfactory, but they also found it very important to their present academic and professional pursuits. While 88% of respondent master’s graduates and 89% of the respondent doctorate graduates were satisfied with the ACE teaching and learning model they experienced, 98% of each of the two groupings found the ACE model useful in their current situations. 

Almost all the ACE graduate respondents were satisfied with the ACE model and would recommend it to others. When asked about their satisfaction rates, 90% of master’s graduates and 93% of doctorate graduates responded that they were satisfied with their experiences during the training, and 95% each of master’s and doctorate respondents answered they would recommend ACE to others and recommend or recruit its products for available jobs. 

Apart from their desire to be invited to engage ACE alumni through recommendations and job openings, respondents would also want to be engaged in multiple other levels, such as being invited to participate in ACE events, facilitate university-industry collaboration, raise funds or donate to the programme, and provide feedback, such as through similar surveys. 

Survey Recommendations 

Ms. Wang rated the 52% survey response rate as relatively high and the findings very credible and reliable and thus commended the respondents for their cooperation and congratulated the ACE program stakeholders on their achievements. She was also optimistic these rates and achievements could further be enhanced in the future and thus recommended the following for stakeholder consideration: 

  1. Encouraging more ACEs and graduates to participate in future surveys. 
  2. Streamlining the data collection process and reducing errors of repetition and inaccurate information. 
  3. Engaging graduates as soon as they leave the programme and from time to time for a stronger relationship. 
  4. Clearly defining what it means to benefit from the ACE programme to students before they graduate. 

MyCos Data is expected to submit the full survey report to its commissioners—the World Bank and the Association of African Universities—within the next few weeks, following the International Partnership Workshop hosted in Mauritius in May 2024. 

Africa Centres of Excellence Project Stakeholders Discuss Practical Instruments and Programs for Supporting Partnerships to Foster Sustainability

A high-level side meeting was held on the 9th of May 2024 to bring together the ACE Impact Project Steering Committee members and the ACE II Regional Steering Committee members to share lessons and discuss their strategies for sustaining the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACEs) beyond the World Bank and French Development Agency funding. Other participants included the representatives from the World Bank, and the leadership teams of the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA). This meeting was hosted as part of the ACE International Partnership Workshop, held in Mauritius, by the project.  

Dr. Kokou Kouami the Chairperson of the ACE Impact Project Steering Committee and Professor Goolam Mohamedbhai the Chairperson of the ACE II Regional Steering Committee jointly chaired the session to engage the seventeen (17) countries that were present. 

ACE II was launched in 2016 and supports 24 centers in 8 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa – these include Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia – and is supported by the IUCEA. In 2022, the World Bank provided additional financing to the ACE II project, supporting 6 agriculture centers in Malawi and Mozambique.  

In 2019, the World Bank, together with the French Development Agency (AFD), launched the third phase of the program: the “ACE for Development Impact Project, ACE-Impact”, following the successful implementation of the ACE I project by the AAU. The ACE Impact project covers 54 centers across 11 countries mostly in Western Africa – these include Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and Senegal. Across the series of ACE projects, the World Bank has committed US$ 657 million in support of African governments and under the ACE Impact, the AFD is co-financing with a total amount of US$ 72 million. 

 

How ACE II and ACE Impact countries are addressing the sustainability of the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACEs) 

  1. Integrating the ACEs with their host universities – the countries present said that they were making the ACEs part and parcel of the host universities so that they could benefit from annual budget allocations to support their activities. The representatives from Senegal emphasized that the integration of their ACEs to their host institutions also allowed the Senegal ACEs to maintain their financial autonomy so that they are motivated to generate additional resources. 
  2. Lobbying for financial support from national governments – the countries underscored the importance of their governments committing resources to the running of the ACEs. Several countries spoke about embedding the ACEs into national statutes so that they are supported by their national governments. Mrs Jane M. Chinkusu from Zambia shared that they had lobbied their government to direct national scholarships for funding students from their ACEs. In addition, several countries were reported to be lobbying their governments to prioritize contributions to the national research funding agencies who would in turn support the ACEs. The government of Nigeria was reported to have created an annual budget line for the ACEs in Nigeria. 
  3. Leveraging the uniqueness of the ACEs to engage in consultancy and training services was highlighted as an important strategy. The ACEs were initially selected for funding because of the unique niches that they occupy. To sustain their operations, it was recommended that the ACEs should leverage their uniqueness and provide excellent consultancy and training services to their specific thematic areas, industries, and communities. Dr Fahmi Ahmed, from Djibouti mentioned that they were demonstrating the importance of their ACE by designing and delivering unique training services to the logistics and transport industry in Djibouti. 
  4. Focussing on solving real problems and graduating to commercialization and patenting of research products. The ACEs have debunked the myth that African Universities were irrelevant and could not support their national development strategies. Countries that were present agreed that “solving national / regional challenges, being relevant and engaging in commercialization and patenting of products could be an effective sustainability strategy”. 
  5. Engaging in strategic partnerships and joining thematic networks was highlighted as a long-term strategy for achieving sustainability because this enables the ACEs to participate in joint research and collaborations that open avenues for additional funding and support. Mr Carlos Mataruca from Mozambique shared that their ACE for oil and gas was strategically collaborating with SASOL, a global chemicals and energy company. 
  6. Proving the viability of the ACE Model and making achievements visible were also pointed out as being crucial. Dr Edmund Aalangdong mentioned that Ghana was leveraging its national facilitating unit to create visibility of the work of their 9 ACEs and build their capacities. A national tertiary education conference is planned as a national event to create a platform for continuously demonstrating the viability of the ACE model and showcasing the benefits of funding higher education institutions. 
  7. Seeking financial resources from elsewhere by responding to calls for grant funding was also highlighted as another method of sustaining the ACEs. Through partnering and joining thematic networks the ACEs could jointly respond to grant calls to increase their chances of success.  
  8. Leveraging the national facilitating units / national steering committees to strengthen the ACEs was also mentioned by several countries during the meeting. Paul Mungai from Kenya indicated that their National Steering Committee would continue to offer strategic directions to the Kenya ACEs beyond the World Bank funding. Mr Chris Jibreel Maiyaki the acting Executive Secretary of the Nigeria National Universities Commission emphasized the importance of political will in sustaining the ACEs. The Nigerian government has established additional ACEs funded through its national funding agency called the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). 

 

Feedback from the Regional Facilitating Units – AAU and IUCEA 

The Secretary General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Olusola Oyewole emphasized that 10 years support was too little to create sustainable ACEs, he therefore appealed to the World Bank to continue supporting the ACEs. He also said that both the AAU and IUCEA should not abandon the ACEs but continue supporting them, promoting their achievements and lobbying for their support. Professor Oyewole shared eight key points in relation to suggestions for sustaining the ACEs: (1) African governments must prioritize support for their national research funding agencies; (2) African Universities must urgently move from laboratory based research to innovations so that they could attract industry partners; (3) African countries must demonstrate their ownership of the ACEs by supporting them financially and in other ways; (4) Centers of Excellence need to prioritize alternative resource mobilization opportunities; (5) ACEs have introduced excellent practices that should be adopted at the university level – adopting these practices of accountability, procurement, performance based financing and monitoring would lead to the sustainability of the ACES; (6) Partnerships are a great way of building sustainability of the ACEs; (7) When ACEs run demand-driven programmes they are more likely to be sustainable and (8) ACEs are encouraged to learn about the “Study in Africa project”, which is an initiative of the AAU and the European Union.

Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) said that the results-based funding model had been proven to be effective during the implementation of the ACE projects – and it could be adopted in a follow up ACE project, as it promoted sustainability. He called on the funders of the project to renew their funding and support for the project, given the key achievements obtained and significant impacts made. He highlighted, that as a regional project, the ACE project created important avenues for knowledge sharing, academic mobility, and networking. The East African Community has an existing framework for mobility which could be used to support the sustainability of the ACE projects. Professor Banyankimbona also stated that investing towards incubation centers was key in promoting external funds generation, promoting industry partnerships and eventually leading to sustainable ACEs. 

 

Summary and Conclusions 

Dr Ekua Bentil from the World Bank and the Task Team Lead for the ACE Impact Team said that the meeting had provided an important learning platform. She indicated that several partners were keen and impressed by the work of the ACEs. She concluded by saying that the ACE at ten events planned around July 2024 would be a great opportunity to showcase the project results and create buy-in for additional project support. 

Dr Roberta Bassett, from the World Bank and supporting the ACE II Project stressed the importance of the participating governments expressing their interest in support from the World Bank. 

Professor Goolam Mohamedbhai, the Chairperson of the ACE II Regional Steering Committee summarised the meeting discussions by acknowledging that the meeting had been an enriching opportunity. There was no doubt that the ACEs had achieved exceptional results, impacted their communities, and positively impacted their host universities. Professor Mohamedbhai stated that the sustainability question was inevitable and that the proposed solutions seem to border around institutionalization, governments support and actively seeking alternative financial resources. “It is important to market the ACE model to other African countries and share the lessons with them” – said Professor Mohamedbhai.  “The collaboration of the ACEs at a continental level is a great opportunity that the AAU and IUCEA could jointly explore through the ongoing African Union / European Union innovation fund” – concluded Professor Mohamedbhai. 

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