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.
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.
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 Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK) based at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST, Ghana) is making waves in water management, environmental protection, and sustainable development. With cutting -edge research and impactful technologies, RWESCK is positioning itself as a leader in solving some of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges
Through innovative projects like non- intrusive water leakage detection and UAV surveillance of illegal mining, the center is delivering practical solutions that promise to transform industries, safeguard ecosystems, and drive sustainable growth.
RWESCK’s standout initiatives
Revolutionizing Water Management: Passive Acoustic Sensing for Water Leakage Detection
RWESCK in collaboration with the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), is developing a passive acoustic sensing system to detect water leaks without the need for direct contact with pipelines. This Innovation is led by Dr. Kwame Sarkodie from the Department of Petroleum Engineering, is a game changer in water management. The system, which uses machine learning, and advanced signal processing, aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of water leakage detection, while minimizing disruptions to infrastructure. By revolutionizing how leaks are identified, the project will not only help conserve Ghana’s water resources but also support the country’s water distribution networks, ensuring they are more reliable and sustainable.
RWESCK-Experimental flow loop
Robotics and AI: The Future Water Leakage Detection
Building on its expertise in water management, RWESCK is also leading a project that integrates robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) for leak detection, another collaboration with CWSA. A team led by Dr. Sarkodie, Dr. Faisal Adams from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Kwame Oteng Gyasi from Telecommunications Engineering is developing robotic systems that can navigate pipelines and collect real-time acoustic data.
RWESCK- Acoustic senor heads and data acquisition module
This cutting-edge technology allows for efficient, non-intrusive detection of leaks, offering timely interventions. The use of robotics and AI marks a significant leap forward in managing water infrastructure, ensuring the longevity and integrity of the systems that serve millions of Ghanaians.
Protecting the Environment: UAV Technology for Monitoring Illegal Mining
Illegal mining, or “galamsey” (as called in Ghana), continues to devastate Ghana’s environment. RWESCK’s response to this pressing challenge is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) project led by Dr. Faisal Wahib Adam. The UAV, equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced controls, offers real-time surveillance of illegal mining activities.
This project not only supports law enforcement but also reinforces RWESCK’s commitment to environmental conservation. By using cutting-edge technology to combat illegal mining, the center is helping preserve Ghana’s natural resources and promoting sustainable practices that will benefit future generations.
Sustainability at Its Best: Rotary Dryer for Food Waste Processing
Tackling food waste and sustainability, RWESCK alumnus Joseph Kwarko-Kyei has developed a rotary dryer that processes food waste into powder for animal feed. This innovative solution addresses the growing issue of food waste management while offering new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.
RWESCK-Rotary Dryer
The rotary dryer’s versatility extends to producing organic fertilizers, reducing Ghana’s reliance on chemical imports. This project exemplifies how RWESCK’s research is not only solving immediate waste problems but also contributing to the country’s broader goals of food security and sustainable farming.
RWESCK’s projects underscore the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and government bodies like CWSA. The center’s focus on practical solutions, supported by cutting-edge research and technology, ensures that it remains at the forefront of addressing critical water management and environmental challenges in Ghana.
With a focus on sustainable development, RWESCK is set to transform industries, protect natural resources, and inspire a future where technology and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, RWESCK is not just solving today’s problems, but it is laying the foundation for a better, more sustainable tomorrow.
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.
The Africa Center of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR), hosted by the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) in Nigeria, has taken a significant leap forward in project management efficiency. One of the 54 Centers of Excellence of the ACE Impact project, ACE-CEFOR has developed two innovative tools: an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software and a Grievance Redress Platform. These two tools have been designed to simplify the complex fiduciary and administrative processes typically associated with managing large-scale projects.
The Grievance Redress Platform seeks to streamline all grievance management processes and make it easier for the center, its host universities, and other users to address all concerns effectively and swiftly. On the other hand, the ERP software is particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive and multi-functional capabilities, such as its modules for monitoring and evaluation, project management, e-administration, e-procurement, e-auditing, e-accounting, and full notification integration with email, WhatsApp, and SMS. With their breadth and depth, these features allow users to automate various administrative processes, reducing manual workloads and enhancing efficiency.
Prof. Owunari Georgewill, Vice Chancellor, the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
To announce these innovations, the center’s leadership visited the Association of African Universities (AAU) secretariat in Accra, Ghana, on February 29, 2024. The visit aimed to present and demonstrate its newly launched tools to AAU, the Regional Facilitation Unit for the ACE Impact project, and to gather feedback from the project’s implementation support team.
“The ERP Software and Grievance Redress Platform are products of ACE-CEFOR’s dedicated ICT Research and Development Unit,” the center’s Head of ICT/Safeguard Officer, Mr. Daniel Okon, said. “These tools, along with other custom enterprise software and hardware packages like our Multimedia-based Learning Management System and Proctoring Examination System, have brought ACE-CEFOR and UniPort into the spotlight, both within and outside the ACE Impact project.”
Mr. Daniel Okon, ICT Head and Safeguard Officer, Africa Center of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Mr. Okon noted that through these initiatives, ACE-CEFOR supported UniPort in establishing a virtual learning system, which became extremely useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. The center’s virtual learning system enabled the university to quickly and seamlessly transition to a virtual learning module, necessitated by the pandemic, unlike other Nigerian universities, which relied on the Nigerian Universities Commission’s systems.
This proactive innovation also made ACE-CEFOR the first of the 54 Centers of Excellence to fully transition to virtual learning in 2020. Center Leader Prof. Ikechukwu Ozoemenam Agbagwa emphasized that ACE-CEFOR’s software and hardware packages were intended to become significant sources of internally generated revenue as part of the center’s sustainability plan, especially as the ACE Impact project was set to conclude in June 2025.
Operating on the triple helix model of government-academia-industry partnership, ACE-CEFOR sought AAU’s support to commercialize these products across other African centers of excellence and universities. AAU’s Senior Program Manager in charge of the ACE Impact project, Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, praised ACE-CEFOR for developing those homegrown solutions to ease complex project implementation processes. She was optimistic that other African centers of excellence and higher education institutions would be interested in the tools to improve their project management processes and even inspire them to develop more innovative solutions under the ACE Impact project.
Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, Senior Program Manager in charge of ACE Impact Project, Association of African Universities
In 2023, ACE-CEFOR implemented the e-procurement module of its ERP software in its procurement processes. Oil firms in Nigeria already use this software, marking a significant milestone in the center’s mission to support the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and other regional economies where these sectors are critical. This progress also aligns with ACE-CEFOR’s vision to become Africa’s leading center of excellence in oilfield chemicals research.
ACE-CEFOR’s delegation was led by UniPort Vice Chancellor Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill. It included Center Leader Prof. Ikechukwu Ozoemenam Agbagwa, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Mr. Uduma Ikpa, as well as the Head of ICT/Safeguard Officer Mr. Daniel Okon. The four-member delegation was received by AAU’s ACE Impact project team, led by Secretary General Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole.
Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary General, Association of African Universities
Looking to the future, ACE-CEFOR seeks to enhance the tools’ functionalities further and position them as flagship resources for simplifying project management in the region. To this end, it is developing a mobile app to facilitate the complex daily tasks of its leader and vice-chancellor and other users, demonstrating the robustness of the center’s ICT Research and Development Unit and its commitment to innovation and efficiency.
The Africa Centers of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE-Impact) project was launched five years ago by the World Bank and French Development Agency to increase the impact of existing ACEs under the first phase of the ACE initiative, that is, the ACE I project, and extend the initiative to more centers. Thus, the project has since 2019 been supporting 54 centers in 35 universities across eleven countries Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo—to improve and accelerate the quality, quantity, and development impact of postgraduate education in five main areas, STEM, agriculture, health, environment, applied social science, and education.
Ghana hosts nine such centers: three each at the University of Ghana, Legon, in Accra and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, and one each at the University of Cape Coast in Cape Coast, the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani, and the University for Development Studies in Tamale.
Dr. Edmund Aalandong, Head of Policy and Planning at Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, the agency facilitating the implementation of the nine ACE Impact centres in Ghana
These ACE-Impact centers, globally recognized for their unique focus on postgraduate education and research in STEM, agriculture, health, and environment, continue leading the way in Africa’s transformative, sustainable impact. This article shines a light on the forward-thinking initiatives and exceptional accomplishments of the University of Ghana’s ACE centers—the West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), and West Africa Genetic Medicine Center (WAGMC)—in driving agricultural innovation, scientific research, and genetic medicine in Africa. It emphasizes the centers’ crucial role in producing highly skilled professionals, fostering international collaborations, and contributing to economic development and food security across the continent. The narrative explores how these centers are making significant strides in their respective fields and paving the way for sustainable growth and development in Africa through strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and comprehensive sustainability plans.
The West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI)
The West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) has produced 111 PhDs, 38 of whom, representing one-third, are females. This ratio aligns with the World Bank’s value of inclusiveness and ACE Impact’s requirement for gender balance. These 111 PhD graduates are not from Ghana alone but from 15 different African countries, demonstrating the centers’ regional reach.
Through its community outreach program, WACCI has engaged and positively impacted about 5,500 farmers and made 53 successful agricultural entrepreneurs. It has also supported over a million farmers in 10 countries to improve almost 300 crop varieties, a testament to its agrarian innovation. Through its viable public-private partnerships, WACCI has scaled up the seeds of several food crops, such as soybean, tomato, and maize.
In showcasing its academic and research prowess, WACCI has spearheaded numerous faculty-led research, mainly focusing on cassava, cowpea, Frafra potato, Bambara groundnut, sorghum, maize, and rice, underscoring its commitment to scientific advancement and ensuring food security in Ghana and Africa. As a research leader, WACCI has also championed over 260 student-led publications in high-impact journals. Besides, along with its alums, the center has attracted over 100 million dollars to the sub-region, highlighting its economic impact.
WACCI’s remarkable achievements have been recognized locally, regionally, and globally for contributing to food security and outstanding agribusiness academic and research leadership. For instance, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs has acknowledged the WACCI model as a model to replicate (2009, 2013 Reports).
WACCI’s impactful journey in enhancing crop varieties, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security in Africa being presented to a joint team from the World Bank, the Association of African Universities, and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission
As a member of the African Academy of Agricultural Sciences, WACCI collaborates with international institutions in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Uganda to undertake initiatives such as research fellowships, faculty development, projects, mentorship programs, exchange programs, and grantsmanship.
WACCI’s new focus is to consolidate its enviable academic and research leadership position in agriculture and sustain its impact on Africa’s population. With the launch of WACCI 3.0 in April 2024, the center is on a forward match to cultivating more global partnerships for Africa’s agricultural renaissance by continually contributing to food security and ensuring sustainable agriculture. WACCI also plans to foster strategic alliances with international academic and research communities, such as Cornell University and Danforth in the United States and others in Zurich, the Netherlands, and Kenya. These partnerships and collaborations all neatly fit into its sustainability plan.
As a sustainability plan, WACCI proposes a five-point strategy comprising a five-year Strategic Plan (2024-2029), a 50-million-dollar Endowment Fund, Sustainability Funding Models (such as Research-Intensive Centre, Public-Public and Private-Public Partnerships), Resource Mobilization and Communication Strategies, and making a compelling case to African governments and development partners to invest in the WACCI model.
Meanwhile, WACCI is mobilizing resources to create its proposed endowment fund, attract outstanding students to ACEs, attract and retain high-quality staff, and increase the relevance of ACEs in communities, nations, and the world.
The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP)
Established in 2014 to support cutting-edge health research in Africa, the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) has produced 37 PhDs, serving in various roles in postdoctoral fellowship, academia, public sector health institutions, and industry. The center has also churned out 105 master’s graduates, half of whom are pursuing PhDs, and the remaining are in various roles in academia, research institutions, and industry.
WACCBIP has been providing long-term training to young scientists from 18 countries across Africa to develop into research leaders as part of its effort to contribute to building Africa’s scientific capacity. So far, it has produced 400 such fellows, comprising 227 master’s fellows, 121 PhD fellows, and 52 postdoctoral fellows, exceeding the ACE Impact project’s requirement of 1:3 gender ratio.
WACCBIP’s contribution to health research in Africa became even more impactful in the heat of the 2019 global COVID-19 pandemic when the center conducted several immunological, serological, virological, and molecular epidemiological studies and published original research and feature articles in high-impact journals. Funded by the UK AID, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the FCDO, it also screened about 50,000 people in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.
WACCBIP’s Director, Prof. Gordon Awandare, explaining the center’s significant contribution to building a robust scientific research capacity in Africa
To maintain its leadership position, center leaders, faculty, and staff are working to build a three-floor building complex with essential fittings and auxiliary facilities, a leaning and interaction center, a pergola, and land valued at 1 million dollars.
Beyond the World Bank, WACCBIP has attracted funding from other international entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Research Councils UK; regional entities like the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), The African Academy of Sciences, and Crick African Network; and national entities like the Government of Ghana, Tiba Ghana, and Ghana Health Service.
The West Africa Genetic Medicine Center (WAGMC)
Since its establishment, the West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) has made significant strides in addressing the genetic health challenges facing many African countries as a pioneering institution in sub-Saharan Africa. As the first genetic counseling center in the region, WAGMC has been at the forefront of providing essential genetic testing and counseling services, focusing on reducing the high incidence of sickle cell disease births in Ghana and Africa.
By offering genetic testing and counseling, the center has provided critical support to families affected by genetic disorders, particularly sickle cell diseases. The center’s work has been instrumental in identifying carriers of the sickle cell gene and providing counseling to help manage and reduce the high incidence of this debilitating condition. Despite the center’s relatively recent establishment, its services have already impacted many lives, offering hope and improved health outcomes.
WAGMC’s impact extends beyond individual patient outcomes to broader healthcare and research advancements. By integrating genetic testing into the healthcare system, the center has paved the way for more personalized and effective treatment plans. Its research contributions have enhanced the understanding of genetic disorders prevalent in the region, informing public health strategies and interventions.
Regarding capacity building and inclusivity, WAGMC has made concerted efforts to support and empower scientists and researchers, with a deliberate focus on female scientists and researchers, which aligns with the World Bank’s inclusive values. The center has fostered a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging women to pursue careers in genetic medicine and research. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the center’s training program and collaborative projects prioritizing gender equality and empowerment.
A joint team comprising the leadership of the ACE Impact project at the regional and national levels visited WAGMC to have first-hand information on the center’s achievements and impacts in the genetic medicine space
WAGMC’s achievements and impacts have been bolstered by its strategic partnerships and collaborations. Although it operates independently of an academic department, it collaborates closely with various departments within the University of Ghana, such as the School of Public Health. These collaborations have enabled the center to extend its impact beyond its immediate remit, supporting students and researchers from other departments and fostering an interdisciplinary approach to genetic medicine. With the significant impact it is already making in genetic medicine, researchers and faculty members are confident the center will make an even greater impact with the needed facilities.
One of WAGMC’s significant challenges has been the absence of comprehensive tumor sequencing capabilities in Ghana. This gap has led to higher rates of undiagnosed genetic conditions and increased the cost of detection and treatment, costing the lives of the teeming population who cannot afford it. In response to this alarming phenomenon, WAGMC has plans to build a robust genetic testing infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance early diagnosis and efficient treatment of genetic disorders, thereby reducing the overall burden of these conditions on affected families and the healthcare system.
The West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) is setting ambitious and comprehensive goals to revolutionize genetic healthcare in Africa. These plans include establishing advanced genetic testing facilities, enhanced training programs for genetic counselors and researchers, and expanded public outreach to educate communities about genetic health. By pursuing these objectives, WAGMC aims to significantly strengthen its contributions to genetic medicine in Africa.
WAGMC’s ultra-modern building complex under construction aimed to support the early diagnosis and efficient treatment of genetic disorders
Recognizing the need for these and even further development, WAGMC is appealing to the World Bank and other international donors for support. The center highlights its unique position and the substantial impact it has already made, seeking consideration for inclusion in future iterations of the ACE initiative.
WAGMC stands as a beacon of progress in genetic healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Its achievements in genetic testing, counseling, and research have significantly impacted the lives of many individuals and families. As WAGMC continues to grow and develop, its contributions to genetic medicine and public health are poised to expand, offering a brighter future for genetic healthcare in Africa. With continued support and strategic partnerships, WAGMC is well-positioned to address the region’s genetic health challenges.
Conclusion
The ACE-Impact project has brought transformative progress to postgraduate education and research in West Africa. At the forefront of this transformation are the University of Ghana’s ACE centers: the West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), and the West Africa Genetic Medicine Center (WAGMC). These centers have made remarkable strides in their respective fields, driving agricultural innovation, cutting-edge health research, and genetic medicine.
WACCI has significantly advanced agricultural productivity, producing numerous PhDs, engaging thousands of farmers, and supporting the improvement of hundreds of crop varieties across the continent. WACCBIP has been pivotal in health research, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to build scientific capacity through extensive training programs. WAGMC, as a pioneering genetic counseling center, has made critical contributions to genetic healthcare, offering essential testing and counseling services and aiming to build a robust genetic testing infrastructure.
These centers have fostered strategic partnerships, both locally and internationally, which have enhanced their research capabilities and impact. Their efforts have led to academic and scientific achievements and contributed to Africa’s economic development and food security. The ongoing and planned initiatives, such as the launch of WACCI 3.0 and the establishment of advanced genetic testing facilities at WAGMC, are set to further consolidate their leadership positions and ensure sustainable development.
In sum, the University of Ghana’s ACE-Impact centers exemplify the transformative impact of the ACE-Impact project. Their achievements underscore the importance of strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and comprehensive sustainability plans in driving progress. As these centers continue to grow and develop, they are well-positioned to lead the charge in addressing the region’s agricultural, health, and genetic challenges, ultimately empowering Africa’s future. With continued support and collaboration, the vision of sustainable growth and development in Africa is not achievable but imminent.
