The Center for Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science in sub-Saharan Africa (CEA/IEA-MS4SSA) is dedicated to advancing education through research and innovation across four key areas: Mathematics Didactics, Life and Earth Sciences Didactics, Physical Sciences Didactics, and General Didactics. In addition to its educational focus, the Center leads technological innovations, including the creation of automation systems such as solar-powered automatic handwashing machines, respirators, and masks to support public health efforts.
Meeting the Challenge
The Center addresses critical shortages in science education by training qualified teachers and promoting STEM education among girls. These efforts are vital for boosting science and technology performance in Niger and the broader sub-region. The Center’s initiatives have reduced gender disparities in science disciplines by providing scholarships with higher stipends for female students.
In collaboration with education ministries, the Center directly trains students who are then employed by the public service. The scholarship policy incentivizes girls to pursue science education, ensuring equitable participation and representation in STEM fields.
Outcome
The Center has trained 1,157 qualified mathematics and science teachers, significantly enhancing STEM education across the region. By developing teaching programs based on the PMI/PSI approach, the Center has improved science and math education practices. Additionally, the creation of experimental materials tailored to the region’s education systems has enhanced practical learning experiences. The Center has also produced 15 specialists in didactics across mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences. Approximately 120 teachers have benefited from short-term training programs.
The Center has addressed the need for modern educational facilities by constructing a state-of-the-art administrative and academic complex. Laboratories at the ENS (École Normale Supérieure) were rehabilitated and student living spaces upgraded to foster a conducive learning environment. By accrediting training programs, the Center promotes excellence and reinforces high standards in education.
Conclusion
Through its dedication to education, innovation, and gender equity, the CEA/IEA-MS4SSA Center is transforming science education and fostering a new generation of skilled teachers and leaders. This success story is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration, innovative practices, and a commitment to excellence in education.
In Togo, poultry farming plays a pivotal role in the agricultural economy, accounting for 14% of the sector’s GDP. However, high costs and a dependence on imported feed concentrates—representing 70% of production costs—have limited productivity and forced the country to rely heavily on poultry imports to meet national demand.
In 2020, Togo imported 24,717 tonnes of poultry meat and offal to fill the production gap. Without affordable, high-quality feed, the poultry industry struggles to compete and grow sustainably.
The Solution: Local Feed Concentrate from Black Soldier Fly Maggots
The Regional Center of Excellence in Poultry Sciences (CERSA) developed a feed concentrate made from black soldier fly maggots, offering high nutritional and microbiological quality that rivals imports. It provides essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, reducing reliance on costly imports and supporting sustainable farming.
Innovation and Production
Under the leadership of Dr. Attivi, the project harnesses nutrient-rich black soldier fly larvae. Produced through a rigorous process using organic waste, the feed is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
Results and Impact
The feed has improved efficiency, growth rates, and meat quality, while lowering production costs. It aligns with Togo’s 2016–2030 National Strategic Plan to boost meat production to 85,813 tonnes by 2030.
Carving a Path in Agricultural Sustainability
CERSA’s black soldier fly feed concentrate is a model of agricultural innovation, enhancing livelihoods, promoting food security, and strengthening the poultry industry for a sustainable future in West Africa.
The Africa Center of Excellence in Mathematics, Computing and ICT (CEA-MITIC), one of the 54 centers of excellence established by the World Bank to address common regional developmental gaps, has revolutionized healthcare, education, and environmental management through cutting-edge research and innovation. By addressing critical challenges in Senegal and beyond, the center’s projects have transformed lives and improved national systems.
SIMENS-MOBILE: Enhancing Medical Information Systems
The SIMENS-MOBILE project developed a mobile adaptation of Senegal’s National Medical Information System, enhancing real-time patient monitoring and optimizing healthcare delivery. Initially designed as a web platform, the mobile version now enables doctors to consult, diagnose, and prescribe remotely, significantly improving the efficiency of patient care and resource-sharing. Operational for over a decade at the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital, the system has benefited thousands of patients and healthcare professionals, inspiring the establishment of Pyramid Health Information Systems.
AI4Cardio: Combating Cardiovascular Diseases
To address the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, the AI4Cardio project created an AI-driven framework for preventing and monitoring heart conditions. The project developed a web application for real-time access to patient data and, in partnership with CEA-SMIA, established an African Registry of Pacemaker Wearers. By providing early risk prediction and remote monitoring, AI4Cardio has significantly improved patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency across the region.
The NanoDiabetes project pioneered the development of innovative glucose-monitoring chips utilizing Electrochemical Field Effect Transistor (ElecFET) technology. These smaller, cheaper, and highly reliable devices offer a promising alternative to traditional glucose meters, making diabetes care more accessible for families and healthcare systems in developing countries.
Nano Diabetes Chip
WAZIUP: IoT and Big Data for Rural Development
The WAZIUP project leverages Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data technologies to improve agriculture and rural livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. By collaborating with farmers and ICT professionals, WAZIUP delivers solutions that enhance productivity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, engaging partners from multiple African and European countries.
Deep4EnvMonitoring: Tackling Illegal Landfills with AI
Through Deep4EnvMonitoring, the Center uses Deep Learning and drone technology to detect and manage illegal dumpsites. The project automates waste identification, geolocation, and characterization, providing municipalities with cost-effective solutions for environmental management and producing several scientific publications.
Driving the Future of Health and Environment
CEA-MITIC’s groundbreaking projects continue to enhance healthcare delivery, environmental management, and rural development while fostering entrepreneurship and academic excellence. The center calls upon governments, private sector partners, and international organizations to invest in scaling these innovations for broader impact across Africa.
Over the years, the world has witnessed an emphatic shift toward impact-driven research. This development is evident in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where research innovation plays a crucial role in addressing challenges in healthcare, water, sanitation, agriculture, and education. Emphasizing the need for transformative research that influences industries, policies, and communities, the European Commission (2020) acknowledges research innovation as a key driver of societal progress. The World Bank (2021) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2015) also emphasize the importance of research innovation, especially in developing economies. While the OECD recognizes the importance of science, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the World Bank, through both words and actions, highlights the roles of universities, research centers, and industry partnerships not only in generating knowledge but also in transforming it into real-world solutions that have a meaningful impact on sustainable growth.
In an era when innovation has been widely recognized, such as by the World Bank, European Commission, and OECD, as the foundation of sustainable development, the World Bank Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project serves as an engine of revolutionary change. With a laser focus on strengthening higher education and research institutions, ACE Impact is driving innovation that directly addresses Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges. From pioneering cutting-edge science to spearheading futuristic technology to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets, the project is redefining the role of higher education in spurring economic growth and societal progress.
A critical contribution of ACE Impact is its rare innate ability to align academic research with real African needs. Through multidisciplinary research and development initiatives, ACE centres produce context-specific solutions in areas such as health, agriculture, engineering, and digital technology. By adequately strategically resourcing and empowering researchers, the project ensures that the knowledge generated within African universities translates into tangible innovations that benefit both communities and industries.
At the heart of modern development is digital transformation; with this recognition, ACE Impact integrates technology in higher education and research. Many ACEs have developed and deployed technological innovations in e-learning, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence to tackle challenges in education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. For instance, ACE Impact has introduced digital learning platforms and tech-enabled teaching methodologies, supported the digitalization of academic programs and expanded higher education beyond physical campuses to make it responsive to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Extending higher education innovation beyond technological advancements, the ACE Impact project has also institutionalized an ecosystem where creativity lives and thrives. The project has catalyzed this transformation by investing in cutting-edge research, strengthening industry-academia partnerships, and providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. The program has supported and empowered its numerous Centers of Excellence to develop innovative academic programs tailored to Africa’s developmental needs. By funding applied research and strengthening curriculum relevance, ACE Impact has ensured that graduates are not only academically competent but also equipped with problem-solving skills critical for the job market.
Also recognizing that innovation thrives in an environment that enables entrepreneurship, ACE Impact has integrated entrepreneurship training into its academic programs, encouraging students and faculty to transform research ideas into viable businesses. As a result, its ACEs have established innovation hubs and business incubation centers, providing mentorship, funding, and market access for startups emerging from research outputs. These initiatives are not only strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also generating employment opportunities. In a recent ACE Graduate Tracer survey, independently conducted by China’s MyCos, one in every ten ACE Impact graduates reported having established their own business and contributing to Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Almost all (98%) of the 4,295 PhD and master’s graduates surveyed reported having been significantly impacted by the ACE model.
Key Impact Metrics:
Another marked feature of ACE Impact is its emphasis on strong industry-academia linkages. The project has facilitated partnerships between and among universities and key industry players to co-develop curricula, conduct joint research, and implement work-integrated learning programs. These collaborations have significantly enhanced graduates’ employability, ensuring that industries access a skilled workforce equipped with relevant expertise and innovative problem-solving capabilities. The independent ACE Graduate Tracer survey also found that over 80% of the project’s graduates secured their ideal employment within the first six months of graduation.
Beyond the direct technological and research innovations, ACE Impact also plays a crucial role in influencing policy and institutional reforms. By implementing and advocating robust quality assurance frameworks, accreditation processes, and performance-based funding mechanisms, the project is enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of higher education institutions. These reforms are pivotal in ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability of innovation-driven development in Africa.
Sustaining the momentum of innovation remains a priority as the ACE Impact project ends in June 2025. Future efforts focus on deepening industry linkages, securing sustainable funding models, and expanding digital education infrastructure. The World Bank has been collaborating with governments, policymakers, and academic leaders to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, ensuring Africa’s knowledge institutions remain at the forefront of addressing developmental challenges, especially in healthcare.
The tenth anniversary of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) Program held in April 2025, offered a pivotal moment for reflection, learning, and strategic dialogue. The fifth plenary session focused on reflecting on the ACE journey thus far, bringing to light the immense strides made by the ACE initiative in transforming Africa’s higher education landscape over the past decade.
Dr. Halil Dundar, Education Global Manager at the World Bank opened the session by commending the program’s achievements and emphasized the importance of consolidating lessons learned as the initiative prepares for its next phase. He stressed that the future of Africa’s development hinges on strengthened centers of excellence that train the next generation of scientists, researchers, and professionals to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges across sectors including health, agriculture, STEM, energy, mining, and more.
The session featured presentations by Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, Senior Project Manager for the ACE Impact at the Association of African Universities (AAU), and Dr. Jude Ssebuwufu, ACE II Coordinator at the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA). They presented the key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from the ACE journey, alongside recommendations for the future.
The ACE Model: A Pan-African Investment in Knowledge and Skills
Launched in 2014, the ACE Program is a regional higher education initiative supported by the World Bank in partnership with participating African governments. Building on its early successes, the program has attracted additional development partners—most notably the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which co-funds the third phase launched in 2019.
Coordinated by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the ACE model adopts a results-based financing approach, linking disbursements to measurable results in research, teaching, and institutional development. To date, over 80 Centres of Excellence in 20 African countries have been supported, with the goal of improving postgraduate education and research in priority sectors.
Key Achievements: Scaling Impact Across the Continent
As part of the ACE program’s objectives to expand higher education access and inclusion, over 90,000 students have been enrolled including 7,650 PhD and 30,200 Master’s students, 52,629 learners in professional short-term courses (PSTCs), and 26,291 regional students across borders. Notably, 29,696 of these students are women, reflecting a deliberate commitment to gender inclusion and equitable access in postgraduate education.
In terms of raising quality through accreditation and infrastructure, more than 620 academic programs have been accredited through national, regional, and international bodies. International accreditation partners include Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programmes (AQAS, Germany) and Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes of Engineering, Information Science, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN, Germany), ensuring global relevance and competitiveness. In addition, the ACE program has invested in modern learning environments, commissioning 51 new buildings with smart classrooms and digital learning tools, with nine (9) more facilities nearing completion.
To boost research, innovation, and industrial relevance, the centers have produced over 10,000 research publications, many in collaboration with regional and global partners. At least 400 formal research collaborations and 73 peer-reviewed articles have emerged from ACE-affiliated networks, in addition to 61 capacity-building workshops, 52 regional network scholarships, eight (8) start-ups launched through ACE support structures. Importantly, 20% of students have accessed internships or academic exchanges, built practical skills while promoting cross-border academic mobility.
Moreover, in bridging the employability gap, targeted skills training has led to notable improvements in graduate employability, particularly for students in applied and industry-linked programs. These interventions are helping bridge the critical skills gap in Africa’s key sectors, while also contributing to national and regional development agendas.
Lessons Learned
Key success areas for the ACE model include regional cooperation that has strengthened cross-country collaboration in higher education, influencing national policy and institutional reforms, results-based financing tying disbursements to measurable outputs, ultimately, encouraging performance-driven education management as well as policy reform impact.
Persistent Challenges
Key challenges noted include regional student mobility in line with language barriers, and strict immigration processes, program accreditation hurdles, and inconsistent national financing policies and models.
Recommendations
To combat these challenges, there is the need to promote regional student mobility, enhance language accessibility by establishing language support centers, streamline accreditation processes, and advocate for common or similar financing policies through regional economic blocs.
Sustaining the Vision for Africa’s Knowledge Future
In conclusion, the ACE program has made a compelling case for regional collaboration, policy reform, and investment in higher education as a cornerstone of Africa’s development agenda. It has proven that African universities can deliver high-quality training, produce impactful research, and shape policies that respond to the continent’s evolving needs.
The Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) program’s 10th anniversary celebrations in April 2025, offered a space for deep reflection, collaboration, and future-focused dialogue in its breakout sessions. The mining session, moderated by Xavier Michel reflected on forward-thinking strategies towards environmental sustainability. The ACE program centers across West, East, and Southern Africa converged their unique perspectives on responsible mining and sustainable environmental practices, highlighting their individual and collective contributions to responsible mining, deliberating on burgeoning environmental, social, and governance challenges that bedevil Africa’s mining ecosystem, and charting a clear vision toward its sustainability.
Six ACE program centres—CEFORGRIS from Burkina Faso, CEMS from Côte d’Ivoire, EMIG from Niger, CEA-MEM from Senegal, CS-OGET from Ethiopia, and ACESM from Zambia—participated in this session. These centers, located in Africa’s mineral- rich corridors, have become beacons of research excellence and innovation in mining and extractive sciences.
With the overarching theme around responsible mining and its contribution to a sustainable environment, the session was a dynamic space for shared learning. Discussions revolved around four interrelated pillars: student and faculty development, advancing research, translating research into industry and policy impact, and partnerships and sustainability. Each centre presented compelling narratives that painted a rich tapestry of institutional progress grounded in real-world challenges and triumphs.
On student and faculty development, leaders of the various centers emphasized efforts to enhance academic programs in mining, increase postgraduate enrolments, and foster faculty development through international mobility and mentoring of early-career mining and environment researchers. Initiatives included curriculum modernization, faculty exchange programs, and targeted recruitment to promote diversity and inclusion in mining education. EMIG shared its targeted efforts to attract more women into mining-related programs, while ACESM highlighted its industry-linked PhD training model that embeds students within mining companies.
When it came to advancing research, centres celebrated milestones in cutting-edge work on mineral recovery technologies, environmental impact assessments, and mine safety innovations. CEA-MEM’s work on sustainable artisanal mining techniques stood out as a model of locally responsive research with global relevance.
One of the most inspiring moments was the accounts of research translation into policy and industry impact. CS-OGET detailed its collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines to shape regulatory reforms, while CEMS illustrated how its geotechnical research was informing mining protocols in Francophone West Africa. These stories underscored growth among the ACE centers in closing the gap between academic inquiry and real-world impact.
In the discussions on partnerships and sustainability, centre leaders spoke candidly about the evolving nature of funding, the need for diversified income streams, and the critical role of long-term partnerships with industry, government, and international collaborators. CEFOGRIS shared a strategy of embedding alumni into key public agencies to drive future collaboration from within.
Moving forward, future focus areas identified included critical minerals research, climate-smart mining practices, and digitization and automation of mining processes. Centre leaders called for enabling conditions such as enhanced infrastructure, stronger regional collaboration frameworks, and increased policy alignment with academic outputs.
The session concluded with a collective commitment to advancing responsible mining practices that align with sustainable development goals. The moderator, Xavier Michel in his closing remarks, noted that the shared experiences and forward-looking strategies reflected the ACE program’s core ethos: centres of excellence rooted in local realities, producing knowledge for global good.
The insights from the Mining Breakout Session, later shared during the plenary on the event’s third day, reinforced a compelling truth: Africa’s path to responsible and sustainable mining is already being paved through science, partnerships, and the unrelenting dedication of its researchers and educators.
As the ACE initiative steps into its next decade, these mining-focused centres stand poised to lead Africa into a new era, where the continent’s rich natural resources are harnessed not just for economic gain but for environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
In today’s fast-evolving digital age, higher education in Africa faces an urgent call to adapt, innovate, and prepare students for a competitive global landscape. Recognizing this critical need, the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology-Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) hosted a groundbreaking e-learning conference from October 2-4, 2024, in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
A keynote address by the Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU) underscored AAU’s ambitious digitization agenda, a core part of its 2024-2030 strategic plan. As AAU leads the ACE Impact project with 54 Centers of Excellence across Africa, including ACETEL, it remains dedicated to pioneering a resilient, tech-enabled educational future for the continent.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic’s lessons, Professor Oyewole spoke passionately about the need for African education to transcend traditional classroom boundaries. “Education must be accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to the digital age,” he asserted, highlighting the AAU’s commitment to reducing access disparities through technology, particularly in rural regions.
The ACETEL conference highlighted the center’s contributions to AAU’s digital vision, with ACETEL’s Director, Professor Grace Jokthan, commended for her leadership in implementing hybrid and blended learning models. This approach aligns with AAU’s mission to create a workforce-ready education system and has positioned ACETEL as a leader in African digital learning innovation.
While acknowledging progress, Professor Oyewole also called attention to the infrastructure gaps and connectivity challenges impeding widespread e-learning adoption. “Equitable digital access is essential if we are to avoid deepening educational divides,” he urged, stressing AAU’s advocacy for increased investment in digital resources across African institutions.
AAU Secretary General, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, delivering a keynote address at the ACETEL eLearning Conference in Abuja
Lifelong learning was another key theme, with Professor Oyewole emphasizing that education should not end at graduation. “Our students must be ready to learn continuously, evolving with the global economy,” he said, reflecting AAU’s vision of fostering future-ready learning ecosystems that remain agile to global trends.
ACETEL’s partnerships with NOUN and NITDA were showcased as models of collaborative success, exemplifying how academia, government, and industry can work together to drive digital innovation in African higher education. Professor Oyewole encouraged African universities to strengthen networks locally and globally to advance the region’s digital education agenda.
“Education is a shared responsibility,” he concluded. Professor Oyewole thus took the lead in reaffirming AAU’s commitment to supporting technology-enhanced learning across the continent. He emphasized that AAU, through its digitization agenda, will continue to provide leadership in advocating digital transformation, capacity building, and innovation in African higher education.
“AAU stands ready to work hand-in-hand with our member institutions to drive the digital transformation of African higher education. Together, we can build a future where no student is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the development of our continent,” Professor Oyewole concluded.
As reflected in Professor Oyewole’s keynote address during ACETEL’s eLearning Conference, the future of African education lies in embracing the power of digital learning. With initiatives like ACETEL and the ACE Impact project, backed by AAU’s strategic commitment to digitization, Africa is well-positioned to meet the educational challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The path forward is clear: African universities must continue to innovate, collaborate, and harness the potential of technology to inspire the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) is making waves in marine conservation, driving the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to a prestigious position in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. UCC’s remarkable achievements in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water have positioned the university as Ghana’s top-ranked institution, 3rd in West Africa, and 16th across Africa.
This recognition highlights UCC’s pivotal role in sustainable marine resource management, coastal ecosystem protection, and combating marine pollution, all of which are anchored in ACECoR’s groundbreaking initiatives. The center has become a critical force in addressing major environmental challenges such as unregulated fishing, ocean acidification, and biodiversity preservation, earning UCC global acclaim.
ACECoR’s Key Contributions to Marine Conservation
Establishment of Marine Protected Areas
One of the center’s most impactful projects is the Coastal and Marine Conservation Drive Project (COMADRIP). This initiative spearheaded the creation of a pilot Marine Protected Area (MPA) management strategy for the Greater Cape Three Points area in Ghana. The project played a crucial role in the designation of a 700 km² MPA, which is set to be officially established in 2026. This protected area will safeguard marine biodiversity, foster sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the long-term health of the coastal ecosystem.
Women Shell fishers and Food Security Project In collaboration with the University of Rhode Island and supported by USAID, ACECoR is championing the Women Shell fishers and Food Security Project, which spans 11 West African coastal communities, including Senegal and Nigeria. This project not only promotes gender inclusivity but also strengthens food security by empowering women in shellfish co-management. ACECoR’s leadership in conducting the first regional assessment of women-led shellfish co-management and producing six technical studies from Ghana and The Gambia has elevated the potential for sustainable shellfishery practices across the region.
Community Outreach and Education ACECoR’s outreach and education programs are crucial to its success, directly engaging coastal communities to promote sustainable fishing practices. These initiatives empower local populations to take ownership of marine conservation, fostering environmental stewardship at the grassroots level. By instilling a sense of responsibility among those who rely most on marine resources, ACECoR ensures its conservation efforts are sustainable and community driven.
Capacity Building and Training
ACECoR plays a key role in building the capacity of stakeholders in marine resource management. Through specialized training programs, the center equips fishermen, policymakers, and researchers with the skills needed to manage marine ecosystems sustainably. This emphasis on capacity building is creating a new generation of marine conservation experts, positioning Ghana as a leader in the preservation of coastal and marine environments.
Cutting-Edge Research Informing Policy
At the heart of ACECoR’s work is its commitment to cutting-edge research that tackles key challenges such as pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable fisheries. This research informs national and regional policy, providing critical evidence-based recommendations to improve marine conservation strategies. The center’s ability to influence policymaking highlights its role in shaping Ghana’s and West Africa’s approach to marine conservation.
ACECoR- Narkwa Oyster Harvesters Association, Ghana (NOHA) members undergoing leadership, advocacy and basic water quality monitoring training
A Continental Leader in Marine Conservation
ACECoR’s efforts have solidified UCC’s status as a trailblazer in marine conservation, not only in Ghana but across Africa. The center’s contributions underscore the powerful role that academic institutions can play in addressing global environmental challenges. By pioneering innovative solutions and fostering sustainable practices, ACECoR is leading the charge toward a more resilient future for coastal and marine ecosystems.
The recognition UCC has received in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a testament to ACECoR’s transformative work. As the center continues to drive marine conservation efforts, it is helping to shape a future where coastal communities and marine life can thrive in harmony.
Environmental sustainability is no longer a distant concern but a critical issue that demands immediate action. As climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss threaten our planet, global and regional efforts are accelerating to protect the environment for future generations. Among these efforts is the Africa Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project, a testament to the power of research, education, and innovation in addressing environmental challenges across Africa.
Global Efforts in Environmental Sustainability
On the global front, several initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable future. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, continues to be a cornerstone in the fight against climate change, with countries committing to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework, with specific goals dedicated to climate action, life below water, and life on land. Organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provide critical scientific assessments that guide global climate policies, while numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocate for environmental protection and sustainable practices.
Regional Initiatives in Environmental Sustainability
While global efforts set the overarching agenda, regional initiatives tailor sustainability strategies to local contexts and challenges. In Africa for instance, initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 emphasises sustainable development, with projects focused on reforestation, conservation, and building climate resilience across the continent.
Despite the several global and regional initiatives, enduring challenges such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, deforestation, and pollution, with their attendant far-reaching and devastating consequences, highlight the urgent need for continued and enhanced efforts to create a sustainable environment.
World Bank’s Climate Change support through regional initiatives
In response to these growing challenges, the World Bank has taken a leading role in promoting environmental sustainability. Through its Climate Change Action Plan, the World Bank integrates climate considerations into its development efforts, financing projects that promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience across the globe.
The ACE Impact Project
A flagship initiative supported by the World Bank, the Africa Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project is a vital player in addressing regional development challenges through education and research. The project focuses on critical areas including:
Environmental Management and Climate Change: Equipping institutions with the expertise and resources needed to tackle environmental challenges.
Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting environmentally sound agricultural practices to ensure food security and resource conservation.
Water Resources Management: Enhancing the sustainable management of water resources for development and resilience.
Renewable Energy: Supporting renewable energy projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Areas of Engagement
The World Bank, through its ACE Impact project, established seven (7) centers of excellence focusing on safeguarding the environment in various capacities including coastal resilience, water and sanitation, and sustainable mining activities. These centers are ACE in Water and Sanitation (C2EA), University of Abomey- Calavi, Benin; ACE for Training and Research in Water Science and Technology, 2iE, Burkina Faso; ACE in Mines and Mining Environment (CEA-MEM), INP-HB, Ivory Coast; ACE in Valorization of Waste into High Value-Added Products (VALOPRO), INP-HB, Ivory Coast; ACE in Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA-CCBAD), Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Ivory Coast; Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK), KNUST, Ghana; Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Center for Mines and Societies (CEMS), Institute of Mines and Geology Boké, Guinea. The centre’s focus span;
Capacity Building: Strengthening institutions and human capital through education and training to address environmental challenges.
Research and Innovation: Supporting research initiatives that lead to innovative solutions for sustainability.
Policy and Advocacy: Assisting governments in formulating and implementing policies that promote environmental sustainability.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues to ensure environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Environmental sustainability is a global imperative that requires a collaborative at all levels, global, regional, and local. Initiatives like the Paris Agreements and the SDGs set the stage , but regional initiatives like ACE Impact, are where meaningful, context-specific change happens. Through education, research, policy, and community involvement, the ACE Impact project is playing a pivotal role in securing a healthier, more resilient planet for future generations.
In the current era where global academic and scientific collaboration is more important than ever the ACE Partner project stands as a beacon of innovation in health, technology, and the environment. A collaborative effort between the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the Institute of Research for Development, and the Association of African Universities, the ACE Partner project has made substantial strides in strengthening global ties and addressing sustainable development challenges across West Africa.
At the core of this success are the four networks of excellence driving this transformative initiative: the West African Network for Infectious Diseases ACEs (WANIDA), the Digital Science and Technology Network (DSTN), the Responsible Mining and Sustainable Development Network (RAM2D), and the Sustainable Water Management Network (RES-EAU). Each Network has contributed significantly, producing impactful scientific research, fostering global partnerships, and creating blueprints for regional development.
WANIDA’s Contribution – Addressing infectious diseases through collaboration
WANIDA has taken great strides in addressing infectious diseases, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. A significant milestone came in March 2023 where WANIDA hosted its inaugural symposium in Ghana, attracting over 500 experts from 152 institutions across 31 countries from Africa, United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. The symposium not only showcased cutting edge research but also reinforced WANIDA’S commitment to multidisciplinary collaborations. The Symposium’s My Thesis in 3 Minutes challenge showcased students’ research skills in infectious diseases, and a rewarded of the top the winners receiving €4,000 to advance their work.
The winning thesis focused on innovative research into infectious diseases, particularly in West Africa. It focused on addressing a critical issue related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases prevalent in the region. The project stood out for its potential to contribute significantly to public health through the development of new diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and public health interventions tailored to the unique challenges of West Africa. The presenters’ ability to clearly and concisely communicate the essence and impact of their research within a three-minute timeframe was crucial to their success in the competition. This achievement also highlights WANIDA’s recognition of effectively translating complex scientific research into accessible information that can drive real-world change.
Participants at the WANIDA Symposium
WANIDA’s participation at global events such as the 15th International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA) in Denmark further amplified its influence, with presentations on treatments for a parasitic disease called schistosomiasis and how to control the snails that spread it. studies on malaria were highlighted, specifically focusing on the spread of the disease and the behaviour of the parasite that causes it. Additionally, the WANIDA researchers explored how certain chemicals could be used to target the parasite that causes another severe disease called trypanosomiasis. Finally, they looked at how a type of bacteria called Wolbachia could help reduce the spread of malaria by affecting the mosquitoes that carry the disease. WANIDA is providing that local research can have global implications, driving impactful solutions to some of the West Africa’s most pressing health challenges.
DSTN’s Contribution: Pioneering Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development
Digital Science and Technology Network (DSTN) has been a catalyst for digital transformation in Africa. With the increasing importance of digital infrastructure, the DSTN has spearheaded initiatives that bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy. The DSTN symposium in December 2021 in Senegal underscored the importance of digital science and technology in achieving sustainable development. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the intersection of research, innovation, and technology transfer. The outcome culminated into a Joint Manifesto outlining key recommendations for Africa’s digital development.
DSTN’s influence reached global platforms, including the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education (WHEC 2022). The network brought together experts from across the continent to discuss digital transformation in education, assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education delivery, and propose actionable recommendations for advancing digital transformation in the region. DSTN highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure investments, multidisciplinary collaboration, and regulatory frameworks to support digital education strategies.
At the WACREN 2022 Conference in Cote d’Ivoire, DSTN played a crucial role by co-organising a high-level regional workshop on High-Performance Computing (HPC). This workshop culminated in developing strategies and a roadmap for a sustainable HPC collaborative network, securing stakeholder commitments, and identifying key focus areas such as training, infrastructure, connectivity, and governance. DSTN’s efforts promise to enhance HPC capabilities in West and Central Africa, expand training initiatives, and strengthen partnerships with industry and international stakeholders.
At the African Matters Conference in Senegal in 2018, DSTN advocated bridging the gap between digital and social sciences, research and industry, and various stakeholders to drive technological and social innovation in Africa. The network showed how digital transformation can address major development challenges like poverty, healthcare, and cybersecurity. DSTN’s contribution enhanced partnerships, deepened skills and knowledge sharing on AI, and developed ethical frameworks for AI deployment to ensure inclusive and responsible technological advancement across Africa.
Through these forums, DSTN has shaped the future of digital education in Africa, promoting high performance computing (HPC) and fostering collaboration between universities and industry leaders.
RAMR2D’s Contribution – Advocating for Responsible Mining and Sustainable Development
In Response to the environmental and social challenges posed by the mining, the Responsible Mining and sustainable Development Network (RAMR2D) has been tackling and promoting sustainable practices. In June 2022, The RAMR2D Bootcamp in Niger brought together over 200 stakeholders to dialogue on the impacts of artisanal gold mining in West Africa. The boot camp culminated in The Niamey Declaration, which proposed a holistic approach to artisanal and semi-industrial gold mining, innovative solutions within a community of practice, and a regional multistakeholder regulatory framework.
RAMR2D’s contributions to global conversation efforts such as Motion 67 at the 2021 IUCN Congress have raised its profile as a key player in sustainable mining practices. RAMR2D’s involvement enhanced its visibility among global conservation stakeholders and positioned it as a key player in advocating biodiversity protection in mining activities, contributing to global conservation efforts. RAMR2D also co-organised the Mining Connections Conferences in 2022 and 2024, fostering collaboration among global researchers, NGOs, and mining companies to address mining challenges and opportunities and promote data transparency for responsible mining in West Africa.
RAM2RD participation in the 3rd ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum in Niger, the network emphasised the integration of the mining and oil industries into the regional value chain to boost economic and social development. This effort was deepened at the DEJ’CRYPTAGE AFD and Partner webinar in 2023, where the network highlighted the importance of research and innovation to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable resource management. At the AFD-ACE Partner Webinar, the network advocated a cross-disciplinary approach to developing holistic solutions. RAMR2D focused on sustainable resource extraction, environmental impact assessment, and community engagement, underscoring the importance of technological advancements, policy reforms, capacity-building, and cultural shifts for sustainable development in Africa.
By promoting data transparency, engaging in policy reforms, and hosting the mining connections, the RAM2RD continues to champion responsible resources extraction across the region.
RES-EAU’s Contribution: Innovating Water Management in the West Africa
Water is a critical resource for life, and the Sustainable Water Management Network (RES-EAU) has been instrumental in enhancing water security. in the Sahel region through global forums and partnering with regional stakeholders. At the World Water Forum in Senegal, RES-EAU showcased innovative water management interdisciplinary solutions, sustainable water management, establishing partnership with key stakeholders such as Senegal’s SEN’EAU and Cote d’Ivoire’s Veolia to led new research programmes and internship opportunities.
RES-EAU’s work has gained global recognition, with the UNCCD appointing the network to develop a transboundary water strategy for the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative. By integrating advanced technologies like remote sensing, and stakeholders’ collaboration, RES – EAU’s network has been crucial in ensuring efficient and equitable water use within the GGW projects, enhancing water security, combating desertification, and promoting environmental sustainability in the Sahel, which aligns with GGW’s broader goals.
RES-EAU’s High-level Session at World Water Forum 2022
A lasting Legacy for Global Impact
As the ACE Partner project concludes its formal funding phase, the legacy of its four networks WANIDA, DSTN, RAMR2D, and RES-EAU— will continue to drive progress in health, technology, and environmental sustainability. The project stands as a reference point of what can be achieved when shared vision, collaboration, innovation and dedication converge, offering a sustainable blueprint for future initiatives.
