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.
In rural communities across Northern Ghana, access to clean and safe drinking water has been a persistent challenge. Water bodies have become contaminated with hazardous levels of heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury, largely due to unregulated mining. Filtering and removing these contaminants is typically expensive and complex—placing safe water out of reach for many households.
In response, the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA) at the University for Development Studies (UDS) developed a groundbreaking, low-cost ceramic water filter using locally available materials. The filter employs agricultural by-products—rice husks, sheanut shells, and groundnut shells—combined with zeolite. These are charred, milled, mixed with clay, and fired at 850°C to produce durable ceramic filters that remove up to 98.7% of arsenic and mercury.
Over 200 individuals in five rural communities now benefit from these filters, improving access to clean water and reducing waterborne diseases. Critically, local residents are trained to produce the filters, creating a sustainable model that empowers communities and builds local enterprises.
A benefit-cost analysis shows a favorable ratio of 1.06, supporting scale-up as a viable, sustainable venture. With growing traction, the solution can benefit thousands more across Ghana and beyond—especially where water contamination challenges are similar.
Beyond water, WACWISA’s innovations are improving livelihoods. In collaboration with UNIDO, the center developed an improved shea roaster using locally available materials. Distributed to 14 women’s groups across the Upper East, Upper West, and Northern regions, the roaster led to a 40% increase in butter yield and a 30% improvement in fatty acid quality—while reducing fuelwood consumption and environmental impact. The initiative has trained 504 shea processors and 28 local fabricators.
Shea Roaster Photo credit- WACOMP (Partner of WACWISA)
To tackle irrigation inefficiencies, WACWISA researchers designed a smart irrigation system for tomato farming using MATLAB-based predictive control. Field trials achieved a 29% reduction in water use and delivered up to 10.4 kg of tomatoes per m³ of water (vs. 7.1 for open-loop and 5.6 for manual methods). This scalable approach helps farmers conserve water and lower costs.
Together, these interventions—ceramic filters, improved shea roasters, and smart irrigation—are improving health, boosting incomes, and advancing sustainable, locally driven solutions across Africa.
Many have likely wondered how many women in sub-Saharan Africa lose their lives due to pregnancy or its management, only to be confronted with a heartbreaking reality they wish they didn’t know. According to the latest (2010-2020) data on maternal mortality rates, jointly published by the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, UNPF, and UNPD, sub-Saharan Africa alone contributes a staggering 70% of the world’s maternal mortality rate. Beyond statistically pushing the world average from 53 to 223, the region’s alarming 545 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births pose a severe threat to the Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to fewer than 70 by 2030.
With only five years remaining, the World Bank ACE Impact project provides a glimmer of hope. The Bank’s Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI) is diligently working to ensure that the 2030 target remains achievable, leveraging the synergy of innovation, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The 3-Delay Model Solution:
As part of this pursuit, the center recently identified widespread inaccessible emergency healthcare as a major cause of the region’s high maternal mortality rates and proposed actionable solutions to address the issue. Diagnosing the problem, the center first summarized the region’s high maternal mortality rates in a 3-delay model—the delay in deciding to seek care, the delay in reaching care, and the delay in receiving care, with the first phase being the most critical not only because the two other phases depend on it but also because it combines their causes—inaccessible health facilities and poor-quality healthcare—with other causes such as socio-economic and cultural factors.
Leading this timely intervention, the center has developed the Text4Life Mobile App, an innovative telemedicine platform, to bridge the gap between rural communities and emergency care providers, addressing maternal health emergencies. “While infrastructure development is vital, mobile technology offers an immediate solution to connect rural populations with essential health services,” Professor Okonofua, CERHI Director, proposes.
Operational cycle of the Text4Life App
Breakthrough Results:
The Text4Life App enables pregnant women, their families, or caregivers to call a toll-free number, connected to a network of trained community health workers and ambulance services, and receive prompt emergency responses and timely transportation to healthcare facilities. The emergency call system has so far significantly decreased delays in accessing critical maternal health services. In one of the highest maternal mortality communities in Nigeria, where the mobile innovation was implemented, no one died from pregnancy complications in the first six months of implementation.
Despite its unwavering zeal to scale the breakthrough mobile innovation, especially across rural Africa, for widespread adoption and more impactful outcomes, the center still faces the challenge of securing the significant investments required in such digital infrastructure, training health workers, and undertaking public awareness campaigns. Though mobile technology has the potential to transform maternal health in Africa, it requires a collective effort to make it accessible and sustainable.
Partnership Appeal:
Recognizing that transforming maternal health is not just a health issue but a human rights issue and the importance of partnerships in addressing the outstanding challenge, the center is appealing to stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations, to support the project’s sustainability. The center is urging stakeholders to prioritize investments in mHealth technologies and ensure they reach the most vulnerable populations in rural areas. CERHI believes that with continued commitment and collaboration, mobile innovations can make the difference between life and death for millions of women across rural Africa, as these innovations hold the key to addressing maternal mortality and ensuring safer deliveries for all African women, regardless of their location.
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.
At the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE) Program, a high-level Vice Chancellors Roundtable held on April 8, 2025, brought together leaders from African universities to address one of the most urgent questions facing the ACE initiative today: How can Africa sustain and institutionalize the impact of the ACEs beyond development partner support? The roundtable provided a critical space for the vice chancellors to reflect on lessons from a decade of the ACE program’s implementation and explore pathways for long-term integration and impact.
Chaired by Ms. Trina Haque, Regional Practice Director for People (Human Development), World Bank and moderated by Ms. Roberta Bassett, Global Lead for Tertiary Education, World Bank, the session underscored a shared commitment to embedding the ACEs into the strategic frameworks of host institutions. Rather than functioning as isolated development partner-funded projects, Vice Chancellors were encouraged to envision the ACEs as institutional engines of innovation, revenue generation, and regional impact.
Institutional Experiences: Models of Innovation and Ownership
The Vice Chancellors shared insights on how their institutions have successfully implemented and managed the ACE initiative, highlighting innovative strategies adopted to align with the program’s overarching vision of enhancing the quality and standards of higher education across the continent.
Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa of Uganda Martyrs University emphasized ways the center catalyzed curriculum reform and community engagement at the university. He described how their ACE in Agri-Economy transformed academic programs, infrastructure, and outreach. The centre’s market-relevant curriculum and focus on 21st-century skills attracted students from across Africa and even garnered support from the Ugandan government. In addition, the university fostered cross-border partnerships. Prof. Kyamanywa credited the initiative with instilling a culture of data-driven decision-making, evidence-based management, and social innovation.
Prof. Doutor Manuel Guilherme of Eduardo Mondlane University highlighted aligning curriculum with market demands. He noted ways Mozambique’s largest public university used the ACE framework to tighten links between education and industry, especially in mining, oil, and gas sectors. Through tracer studies and continuous curriculum updates, the university now delivers job-ready graduates equipped with both technical and soft skills. National legislation also requires companies to engage directly with students on campus—an opportunity that Eduardo Mondlane is leveraging to align academic offerings with real-world labor market needs.
Dr. Mahmadou Sheriff, representing Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire emphasized driving institutional ownership by ensuring that the ACE is fully embedded in the university’s development strategy. He noted that the university’s management allocated prime land for ACE infrastructure, and staff are recruited and paid by the university—fostering full operational integration. He noted that the ACE catalyzed institution-wide accreditation reforms, income generation, and research excellence. However, he cautioned that development partner phase-out poses risks, and called for renewed efforts in audit compliance, quality control, and long-term financing.
Dr. Daouda Keita, vice chancellor of L’institut Superior des Mines et de la Geologie de Boke in Guinea (ISMG) presented a notable example of leveraging industry partnerships, demonstrating ACEs collaborating closely with national industries and agencies. At ISMG, partnerships with the mining sector have yielded infrastructure support, research funding, student internships, and curriculum co-design. By allocating land and staff, the university demonstrated strong institutional support. Dr. Keita called the ACE “a cornerstone of national relevance,” underscoring its role in linking academia with the labor market.
Finally, Dr. Wondossen Mulugeta Gewe of Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia underscored that the ACEs’ priorities are well anchored in national policies. Noting that the university’s three centers of excellence—focused on railway development, water research, and drug development are directly aligned with Ethiopia’s development priorities. The centers have enhanced gender equity, internationalization, and academic-industry partnerships through their diverse initiatives. However, he highlighted that the project’s closure in 2025 could affect its impact. He urged university leadership to formally adopt the ACEs into the institutional strategy and operational budgets.
Cross-Cutting Insights and Observations
The roundtable revealed several common insights across institutions, including the data-driven culture of the ACEs which has helped introduce a strong culture of evidence-based planning – thus informing curriculum design, partnerships, and resource allocation. Other insights shared included enhanced infrastructure and institutional visibility; curriculum reform incorporating market driven and industry-aligned programs and skills training to enhance graduate employability; and institutional integration to ensure continuity.
Policy recommendations were made to sustain efforts to scale the project at institutional levels as well as to foster continuity. These recommendations comprise introducing sustainable scholarship schemes to maintain enrolment levels; fostering inter-ACE collaboration to promote shared research, curricula, and mobility; developing national policies that enable continued ACE post-development partner funding; and building internal audit and quality assurance systems to reduce external compliance burdens.
Conclusively, the Vice Chancellors Roundtable discussion highlighted the profound influence of the ACE initiative on higher education transformation across Africa — serving as a blueprint for institutional growth, continental collaboration and catalyst for knowledge-led development, emphasizing the need to embed the ACEs into the universities’ operation systems.
Reflecting on best practices and learning lessons has been central to the ACE initiative’s success. Throughout its implementation, the programme has provided forums through its regional workshops among other key events, for centres across agriculture, health, water, education, energy and other critical themes to exchange knowledge, leverage each other’s expertise, adopt proven approaches, and continuously improve to advance Africa’s development. The ACE@10 Celebrations, held in Accra, Ghana, from 7th to 9th April 2025 offered yet another opportunity for participating centres to reflect on their achievements in translating research into impact, contributing to policy and industry, and cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders all geared towards sustainability.
The breakout session on Water convened representatives from eight water-focused ACE centres from West and East Africa. United by their commitment to translating research into practical solutions, these centres leveraged the session to refine key strategies that will support them to deliver tangible improvements in water management, bolster community well-being, and sustain their efforts across the continent, post the current funding phase of the project.
Aligning research with national priorities
A central theme running through the discussions at this session was the alignment of research undertaken by the centres with national priorities. As the project nears its conclusion, the imperative to ensure centers’ efforts continue to address real-world water-management challenges in the sub-region and directly respond to pressing policy and implementation gaps were highlighted. To enhance relevance and promote practical use of their research findings, the centres committed to adopting innovative approaches in communicating research outputs – leveraging policy briefs, clear infographics and short executive summaries that distill complex data into actionable recommendations policymakers and key stakeholders can readily understand.
Expanding Demand-Driven Professional Short Courses
Building on the ACE program’s achievement of training over 52,000 professionals over the past decade, participants showcased the significance of offering demand-driven short courses to amplify impact and underscored the need for this to be expanded. These industry-relevant offerings present an avenue to maximize impact, and therefore centers committed to continue tailoring curricula to local needs, scaling enrolment in these courses, and equipping industry practitioners with the skills needed to apply research findings to real world solutions.
Embracing a Nexus Vision to Strengthen Cross-Sector Partnerships
Recognizing water’s intrinsic connections to health, agriculture, energy and other sectors, the session explored a “One-Water” nexus model—mirroring One-Health approaches—to foster transdisciplinary research. Centers highlighted the need to strengthen ties not only within academia but also to bring industrial partners fully on board. The discussions highlighted the necessity of formalizing network structures, including governance around intellectual property and revenue-sharing, to ensure equitable partnerships. Industrial stakeholders were encouraged to join as full partners, bringing practical insights and co-funding opportunities.
Securing Sustainability
While the ACE Water centers have already achieved high standards of research excellence, sustaining the momentum requires more strategic planning and targeted initiatives. During the thematic breakout session, the eight participating centers identified a mix of strategies to secure long-term viability and these included:
Endowment Funds: Seeded by center alumni, philanthropic donors, and host universities, endowments can underwrite core research costs and provide financial support for the centers.
National Fundraising Drives: Leveraging high-profile events and public-sector partnerships to tap into domestic research budgets and health levies.
Commercial Services & Innovations: Centres are to package high-quality laboratory diagnostics, training modules, and consultancy as revenue-generating service and ultimately turn cutting-edge work into self-sustaining enterprises.
Regional Networking & Alumni Hubs: Cultivating a pan-African community and rotating secretariat roles among centres, the ACE network can maintain momentum, share best practices and jointly pursue larger grants.
By the close of the session, the involved centres had not only charted a roadmap for impactful research and robust networks but also renewed their commitment to a sustainable, nexus-oriented future for water management in Africa.
Driven by a vision to empower African researchers—by Africans and for Africa—the Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE) program has emerged as a transformative force in research, innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. Over the past decade, the ACE Program has reshaped Africa’s research landscape by training more than 90,000 students from 20 sub-Saharan African countries, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle Africa’s most pressing development challenges while empowering a new generation to transform research into real-world solutions and create substantial employment opportunities across diverse sectors.
From its inception, the ACE program has achieved more than its core mission of advancing research in Africa; it has also nurtured the continent’s emerging entrepreneurial spirit. The program’s success was celebrated at the recent ACE@10 Celebrations, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana from April 7–9. At this event, young African entrepreneurs—once beneficiaries of the World Bank-funded ACE program—shared their success stories and demonstrated how academic research can be effectively translated into real-world solutions.
Transforming Ideas into Enterprise: The Story of Peace Chemis Mnelemba
Peace Chemis Mnelemba, Chief Executive Officer of Aquaponic for Life (A4L), exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit inspired by the ACE program. Growing up in a community where food insecurity and youth unemployment were pressing issues, Mnelemba set out to find solutions. His journey took a decisive turn when he joined the Centre of Excellence for Aquaculture and Fisheries Science (Aquafish) in Malawi. There, he not only completed his MSc with the necessary support but also learned to convert scientific knowledge into actionable solutions to address local challenges.
With Aquaponic, Peace is addressing a persistent challenge in fish farming: the production of feed from waste. His startup is successfully utilizing black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, produced from waste as a sustainable feed option for fish farmers. Not only has he improved fish stocking density, but he has also established a training program for local youth, universities and technical institutes. Through his innovative work, over 400 farmers have been trained, with 50 forming a cooperative dedicated to aquaponics.
His company has boosted annual fish production from 8,000 to an expected 12,000 pieces and increased Black Soldier Fly output from 200 kg to a projected 500 kg. Additionally, enhanced management practices have led to improved yields in crops like lettuce and peppermint.
Pioneering Natural Medicinal Formulations: The Journey of Jimmy Angupale
Another inspiring example shared during the ACE@10 Celebration was Jimmy Angupale, founder of Novel Medicine Formulations (NMF). Angupale’s enterprise in natural medicinal formulations focuses on producing and commercializing ghee-based products. He sought to position Africa as a leader in indigenous medicinal and cosmetic product development, leveraging local materials to create sustainable solutions.
In Uganda, where conventional cosmetic products often rely on synthetic chemicals that can cause skin toxicity and unpleasant odors, Angupale identified a critical gap. He developed a purification method for ghee that eliminates synthetic residues, resulting in an industrial-grade product that meets quality standards for cosmetic and medicinal use. His innovations have led to the creation of products such as ghee-based Pearl Jelly and Cream, now available on supermarket shelves and receiving positive consumer feedback.
Furthermore, his start-up has diversified into producing antimalarial tablets, HIV/AIDS supplements, and pharmaceutical-grade starch—each innovation reducing reliance on petroleum-based inputs and generating economic opportunities for local communities.
Building a Collaborative Ecosystem for Sustainable Development
The success stories of Mnelemba and Angupale are testaments to the ACE program’s collaborative ecosystem, which bridges academia, government, industry, and local communities. Abdoul-Wahab Annou, Head of the Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre & Project Coordinator in Burkina Faso, emphasized at the event that working together was crucial for addressing Africa’s development challenges. He encouraged student researchers to focus on continent-specific issues and to harness scientific research to drive tangible improvements. He praised the tenacity of entrepreneurs like Mr. Angupale and Mr. Mnelemba and encouraged student researchers to address national and continent-specific problems through integrated, collaborative efforts.
Faculty and students across all the participating centers in West, East and Southern Africa continue to convert academic knowledge into practical solutions. For instance, Dr. Yaw Bediako, a faculty from the West Africa Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) in Ghana established Yemaachi, a biotech company dedicated to building the world’s most diverse cancer bio-database to aid in the development of effective cancer treatments.
Charting the Future
Launched in 2014, the ACE program has emerged as a transformative initiative in Africa’s academic and entrepreneurial sectors. By establishing 80 centers of excellence across 50 universities, and with funding support from the World Bank and the French Development Agency, the program has not only advanced research but has also accelerated the translation of academic knowledge into market-driven solutions. The remarkable achievements of entrepreneurs like Peace Chemis Mnelemba and Jimmy Angupale exemplify how the ACE program empowers individuals to conduct high quality research, address local challenges, create jobs, and foster sustainable development.
Regional coordination has been led by the Association of African Universities (AAU) for ACE I and ACE Impact, and by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for ACE II, reflecting strong collaborative efforts across the continent.
The ACE program is not only bridging critical gaps in academia but also driving a movement where research, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge to transform Africa’s development trajectory.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are pivotal forces driving economic growth and development worldwide. Recognizing this, African universities are fostering an entrepreneurship culture to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact. Since its inception in 2019, the Africa Centers of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project—the third phase of the World Bank’s flagship higher education program in Africa—has been instrumental in this effort. With 54 centers of excellence across 11 West African countries and Djibouti, the project has empowered institutions with cutting-edge research facilities and the expertise to transform academic innovations into market-driven solutions.
A cornerstone of ACE Impact’s strategy is fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within African universities. This is being achieved through targeted capacity-building initiatives, equipping researchers with skills to navigate commercialization, attract venture capital investments, and establish strategic industry collaborations.
Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Innovation Through ACE Impact
The ACE Impact project, co-financed by the World Bank and AFD, is designed to align education and research activities with sectoral needs while promoting knowledge transfer. One of the project indicators underscores this mission by encouraging research commercialization, entrepreneurship programs, and stronger industry-academia partnerships.
The indicator dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem of African universities. Through structured industry partnerships, centers work closely with key economic sectors such as agriculture, health, and ICT to co-develop solutions that meet market needs. To facilitate innovation and research excellence, the ACE Impact Project has equipped various universities with state-of-the-art laboratories and modern research facilities. These investments empower centers to conduct groundbreaking research, incubate emerging technologies, and advance cutting-edge solutions.
Additionally, recognizing the need for regional collaboration and the replication of best practices, the project provides opportunities for cross-center collaboration.
The Learning Visit: Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems
To further advance regional cooperation, ACE Impact organized a study visit from January 20-22, 2025, at the University of Ghana, home to three ACE centers excelling in entrepreneurship and innovation. The three-day workshop featured 15 sessions, including keynote addresses, expert presentations, roundtable discussions, and specialized breakouts. The event brought together 150 stakeholders—including World Bank representatives, the Association of African Universities (AAU), vice-chancellors, researchers, and industry partners—to explore pathways for translating academic research into scalable commercial products.
University of Ghana Vice Chancellor, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, welcoming the workshop participants
A keynote address by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana highlighted strategic initiatives in research and innovation, including programs under the Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID). Participants engaged in interactive sessions emphasizing technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and university-industry linkages.
The sessions underscored the transformative role of universities in driving economic development by strengthening institutional policies, expanding private-sector partnerships for demand-driven research, and establishing Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to bridge academia-industry gaps. Case studies from leading ACE centers—such as WACCBIP’s biotech startup, Oak Park’s support for student ventures, and WACCI’s agricultural innovations—illustrated the immense potential of African research institutions in shaping global advancements.
Key Takeaways and Way Forward
One of the most significant takeaways from the study visit was the critical importance of research commercialization in advancing Africa’s scientific and economic landscape. Successful examples, such as WACCBIP’s biotech spinoff, Yeemachi Biotech, showcased the potential of African universities to drive groundbreaking innovations. The need for structured engagement between academia and the private sector was also emphasized, with TTOs playing a pivotal role in intellectual property protection, research commercialization, and industry collaboration.
Also, the need for institutions to integrate structured commercialization strategies within their research frameworks was highlighted. By nurturing innovative ecosystems through mentorship programs, startup incubation, and industry partnerships, universities can foster a culture that bridges the gap between research and market needs.
The meeting also noted that sustained national policies and financing mechanisms are crucial for long-term innovation. The study visit highlighted recommendations such as the establishment of endowment funds, strengthened collaboration between governments and private investors, and the incorporation of entrepreneurial training into university curricula.
Conclusion
The ACE Impact project study visit to the University of Ghana reaffirmed the project’s recognition of the vital role that research, innovation, and entrepreneurship play in driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation agenda. The insights gained from the study visit could be harnessed to shape future interventions in higher education research and innovation as the project continues to empower African universities and researchers. The strategies, achievements, and real impacts shared by the University of Ghana and other institutions served as an inspiration and starting point for others seeking to enhance their global competitiveness.
Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, AAU’s Senior Program Manager for the ACE Impact project
AAU Secretary General, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, contributing to the discussion at the workshop
Closed-door stakeholder discussion with Vice Chancellors of participating universities –
Closed-door stakeholder discussion with Vice Chancellors of participating universities
Dr. Danica Ramljak, Senior Expert for Science and Innovation, World Bank & Dr. Luis Mira da Silva, Subject-matter Expert in Agriculture for ACE Impact and Professor, University of Lisbon
Prof. Gordon Awandare, WACCBIP Director and University of Ghana Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Students Affairs, welcoming the workshop participants
A cross-section of the participants at the workshop (in the 1st row are World Bank ACE Impact Task Team co-Leads, Dr. Namrata Raman Tognatta and Dr. Xiaonan Cao)
