The Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) program’s 10th anniversary celebrations in April 2025, offered a space for deep reflection, collaboration, and future-focused dialogue in its breakout sessions. The mining session, moderated by Xavier Michel reflected on forward-thinking strategies towards environmental sustainability. The ACE program centers across West, East, and Southern Africa converged their unique perspectives on responsible mining and sustainable environmental practices, highlighting their individual and collective contributions to responsible mining, deliberating on burgeoning environmental, social, and governance challenges that bedevil Africa’s mining ecosystem, and charting a clear vision toward its sustainability.
Six ACE program centres—CEFORGRIS from Burkina Faso, CEMS from Côte d’Ivoire, EMIG from Niger, CEA-MEM from Senegal, CS-OGET from Ethiopia, and ACESM from Zambia—participated in this session. These centers, located in Africa’s mineral- rich corridors, have become beacons of research excellence and innovation in mining and extractive sciences.
With the overarching theme around responsible mining and its contribution to a sustainable environment, the session was a dynamic space for shared learning. Discussions revolved around four interrelated pillars: student and faculty development, advancing research, translating research into industry and policy impact, and partnerships and sustainability. Each centre presented compelling narratives that painted a rich tapestry of institutional progress grounded in real-world challenges and triumphs.
On student and faculty development, leaders of the various centers emphasized efforts to enhance academic programs in mining, increase postgraduate enrolments, and foster faculty development through international mobility and mentoring of early-career mining and environment researchers. Initiatives included curriculum modernization, faculty exchange programs, and targeted recruitment to promote diversity and inclusion in mining education. EMIG shared its targeted efforts to attract more women into mining-related programs, while ACESM highlighted its industry-linked PhD training model that embeds students within mining companies.
When it came to advancing research, centres celebrated milestones in cutting-edge work on mineral recovery technologies, environmental impact assessments, and mine safety innovations. CEA-MEM’s work on sustainable artisanal mining techniques stood out as a model of locally responsive research with global relevance.
One of the most inspiring moments was the accounts of research translation into policy and industry impact. CS-OGET detailed its collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines to shape regulatory reforms, while CEMS illustrated how its geotechnical research was informing mining protocols in Francophone West Africa. These stories underscored growth among the ACE centers in closing the gap between academic inquiry and real-world impact.
In the discussions on partnerships and sustainability, centre leaders spoke candidly about the evolving nature of funding, the need for diversified income streams, and the critical role of long-term partnerships with industry, government, and international collaborators. CEFOGRIS shared a strategy of embedding alumni into key public agencies to drive future collaboration from within.
Moving forward, future focus areas identified included critical minerals research, climate-smart mining practices, and digitization and automation of mining processes. Centre leaders called for enabling conditions such as enhanced infrastructure, stronger regional collaboration frameworks, and increased policy alignment with academic outputs.
The session concluded with a collective commitment to advancing responsible mining practices that align with sustainable development goals. The moderator, Xavier Michel in his closing remarks, noted that the shared experiences and forward-looking strategies reflected the ACE program’s core ethos: centres of excellence rooted in local realities, producing knowledge for global good.
The insights from the Mining Breakout Session, later shared during the plenary on the event’s third day, reinforced a compelling truth: Africa’s path to responsible and sustainable mining is already being paved through science, partnerships, and the unrelenting dedication of its researchers and educators.
As the ACE initiative steps into its next decade, these mining-focused centres stand poised to lead Africa into a new era, where the continent’s rich natural resources are harnessed not just for economic gain but for environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
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.
Stakeholders of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) program marked a major milestone on Monday, April 7, 2025, with the commencement of the celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary and closure. This high-level event rallied over 500 key program stakeholders from the World Bank and other development partner organisations, academia, governments, and industry to celebrate the programmes transformative achievements over the 10 years of its implementation and to deliberate about sustaining and expanding its gains. The event at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, themed celebrating a decade of impact, innovation, and excellence, opened with a compelling ceremony. The opening ceremony of the 3-day event featured welcome remarks from the heads of the two Regional Facilitation Units (RFUs) for the ACE program, namely Prof. Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General for the Association of African Universities (AAU), the RFU for the ACE program in Western and Central Africa and Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary for the Inter-University Council for East Africa, the RFU for the ACE program in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Prof. Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General for the Association of African Universities (AAU)
The two RFU heads focused their addresses on the program’s impactful achievements, particularly producing over 90,000 PhD and Master’s graduates, obtaining over 400 international and national program accreditations, and publishing over 10,000 research papers. They also highlighted the program’s success in fostering partnerships among universities and with industry across the continent, leading to enhanced research outputs and innovations. Encapsulating a shared vision for an empowered, innovative, and interconnected African higher education landscape poised to drive the continent’s development forward, the RFU heads’ addresses also emphasized the contributions of their respective organizations and outlined their strategic directions. They underscored and advocated continuous investments and policy and regulatory frameworks that effectively address regional development challenges and support the sustainability of the ACE gains, ensuring that they are not confined to the present generation but extended to future generations as well.
The opening ceremony also featured a rousing keynote address from Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana. Presenting under the theme of The Vision for Higher Education for Africa and the Journey So Far: 10 Years of ACE, Prof. Amfo recognized and commended the transformative role of the ACE program in reshaping the African higher education, research, and innovation landscape. She demonstrated why the establishment of the ACEs was necessary, the program’s impressive achievements so far, and the way forward. She particularly acknowledged the program’s significant contribution to the rise in postgraduate enrolment in Africa but also its earmarking of over 30% of this enrolment for females through targeted scholarships and other opportunities, especially in STEM education and other male-dominated areas.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the ACE program’s achievements in international benchmarking, culminating in the accreditation of over 133 academic programs; improved teaching, learning, and tracking; and enhanced industry linkages and cross-border collaborations. Prof. Amfo also acknowledged the ACE program’s development impact, citing the classical cases of the three leading University of Ghana ACEs. She hailed the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) for developing several seed varieties and tightening food security in Ghana and Africa, the West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) for sequencing genomes and helping to save a lot of black lives during the Ebola and COVID-19 global pandemics, and the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), the first of its kind in Africa for working assiduously to reverse Africa’s sickle cell disease narrative.
For the way forward, Prof Amfo proposed unending partnerships and collaborations and the need to attract, motivate, and retain top-tier global researchers and obtain political will, favorable policy, and sufficient budgetary allocations. Ending her keynote address, Prof Amfo urged higher education stakeholders to leverage the remarkable research outcomes of the ACEs to address global and continental challenges, acknowledging universities as key players in national and global economies.
Following the opening ceremony, the second plenary session convened a panel of academic experts, policymakers, and development partners to identify strategies, share experiences, and develop a roadmap for the future. This panel discussion session was moderated by World Bank’s Acting Regional Practice Director for Africa Regional Integration, Franz Drees-Gross. On the panel was Malawi’s Minister for Higher Education, Honorable Dr Jessie Kabwire, who appreciated the contribution of the ACE program to the government’s delivery of economic development, especially in terms of creating jobs for its people. She also acknowledged Malawi’s increasing enrolment and narrowing gaps in higher education, especially relative to quality assurance and the localization of the Malawian educational system and aligning it with the country’s value system.
Reiterating economic growth as one of Guinea’s benefits from the ACE program, Economy and Finance Minister, Honorable Mourana Soumah, also linked the ACE model to the vision of the government of Guinea. Advocating enhanced and sustained benefits, the minister called on key stakeholders to work very closely together, leveraging the shared vision and the power of collaborations. She pledged the Guinean government’s continuous commitment and cooperation to ensure the maximum impact of the ACE model not only in Guinea but also in Africa.
From WACCI’s perspective, the Center Leader, Professor Eric Danquah, enumerated the center’s achievements and impacts, as including the training of over 120 PhDs who were trailing the blaze, leading major agriculture research hubs, and impacting numerous African lives as well as the development of over 250 seed varieties that were contributing to averting the prospect of food shortage in Africa. He also outlined the center’s succession and sustainability plans, demonstrating how these plans aligned with the University of Ghana’s strategic plan and would ensure seamless autonomous running, robust governance, and enhanced impacts beyond World Bank’s funding, AAU’s technical support, and the university’s supervision. Prof Danquah highlighted the center’s plan to commercialize the hundreds of seed varieties it had developed, create an endowment fund, intensify grant proposal writing, recruit and retain top-tier scientists from across the world, and tap into the government of Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy to sustain WACCI’s existence, activities, and achievements.
Re-echoing the sentiments of the Guinean Minister of Economy and Finance Minister, Mourana Soumah, Ms Sophia Ndemutila Ashipala, Head of Education at the African Union Commission, and Ms Gabrielle Leroux, Higher Education Lead at the French Development Agency, intimated how education, specifically higher education and research, was a central priority to their organizations’ visions, recognizing the major roles universities play in achieving the sustainable development goals. They expressed their organizations’ continuous support to replicate and spread the ACE model across the continent’s higher education institutions.
The two opening plenaries set the tone for a reflective and forward-looking event whose subsequent high-level discussions on sustaining and scaling the ACE program underscored the pivotal role in strengthening African higher education, building research capacity, and solving regional development challenges.
At the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) programme, the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama emphasised that ‘the ACE Program has emerged as a model of distinction, fostering innovation, nurturing world-class expertise, and strengthening institutional capacities in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, engineering, and applied sciences’. President Mahama highlighted the ACE Program’s transformative journey as being a powerful testament to what can be achieved through collaboration in higher education. ‘From advancing cutting-edge research in infectious diseases and renewable energy to driving innovation in agriculture and digital technology, ACE has become a beacon of regional integration and cooperation and has demonstrated that when nations, institutions and development partners come together, the impact is exponential’- he added.
President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
The 10th anniversary celebration of the ACE programme was successfully co-organised by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), with the support of the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD). Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, from April 7-9, 2025, this high-level forum brought together over 500 esteemed stakeholders, including African governments, higher education institutions, industry leaders, development agencies, civil society representatives, and media professionals.
The formal opening session on April 7, 2025 also featured an opening message from Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education of the Republic of Ghana, and a high-level address from Mr. Ousmane Diagana, Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa at the World Bank. A short video presentation showcasing the ACE Program’s decade-long achievements, including key project highlights, was also screened for participants.
ACEs Impactful Contributions to National and Regional Economies
President John Mahama highlighted the pivotal role of the Centres of Excellence in transforming higher education and research as well as the economies of countries through their various impactful interventions in their respective focus areas.
He cited exemplary centres in Ghana, including the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), which has become a key player in enhancing agricultural productivity across the region, prioritising improving crop varieties and making significant strides in addressing food security in the subregion. Mention was also made of the highly trained graduates from WACCI who are now leaders in agricultural research, positively impacting food systems in Ghana and across the broader West African region.
The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) was also recognised for its significant contributions to scientific research and innovation in health, particularly in the study and diagnosis of infectious diseases. WACCBIP’s achievements, as outlined during the president’s address included training a diverse pool of scientists who have played a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic tools and therapeutic methods, especially in the fight against emerging diseases. The centres’ immense role in researching and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic was said to be invaluable, further cementing its place as a leading health research institution.
Additionally, the West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) was commended for its pioneering work in genetic research and counseling services, tackling genetic health issues such as sickle cell disease. As the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, WAGMC’s efforts in promoting genetic testing and awareness were underscored as being transformative, particularly in Ghana, where genetic health challenges are of major concern.
More generally, and beyond the Ghana- specific examples, the Centres of Excellence have made significant strides in enhancing graduate employability, advancing research, and promoting programme accreditation, outreach, and scholarly publications. For example, the Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa’s (CDT-Africa) research on clinical trials and medicine development has developed over 15 medicinal products with five submitted for patenting to the national intellectual property office in Ethiopia.
Julien Dushimimana, an alumni from the Africa Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACEESD) in Rwanda, developed the Right Lamp Automatic Changeover Switch, a device that automates the process of switching between solar power and the national power grid.
Evidently, by fostering cutting-edge research and innovation, these centers have not only elevated Africa’s research landscape but also cultivated a new generation of accomplished African scientists, thereby positioning the continent as a pivotal player in global academic and research advancement.
The Future Prospects of ACE
Looking ahead, President Mahama envisioned a bright future for the ACE program, driven by the growing demand for research-led solutions, skilled professionals, and regionally relevant innovations. According to the President, the ACEs are uniquely positioned to meet this demand, serving as hubs of excellence that can catalyze socio-economic transformation across the continent. He added that with sustained support from governments, donors, and the private sector, these centers can amplify their impact, foster regional integration, and propel Africa toward a knowledge-based future.
The President further emphasized that collaboration in scientific research remains pivotal in addressing the key barriers in responding to Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges, including skills gaps in emerging industries and high capital costs in critical sectors like renewable energy. He stressed that strategic partnerships between universities, industry actors, and public institutions will be instrumental in ensuring that higher education responds to real economic needs
Recognising ACE’s Commitment to Gender Inclusivity in STEM
President Mahama commended the ACE Program for its remarkable contribution to promoting gender inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, where women remain underrepresented. He noted the program’s impressive strides in increasing female enrollments, offering targeted scholarships, providing mentorship initiatives, and building institutional cultures that recognize and respond to the unique challenges faced by women in scientific and technical careers.
The President also emphasized that as Africa navigates the Fourth Industrial Revolution, addressing the shortage of advanced digital skills will be critical. In his vision for the ACE Program’s next decade, he underscored the importance of investment in higher education to drive Africa’s transformation and secure a brighter future for generations to come. By leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, ACEs can enhance program access and quality, ultimately empowering Africa’s brightest minds and ensuring the continent’s competitiveness and innovation on the global stage, he added.
Education Minister’s Message on Advancing Education and Research
In a high-level message to participants, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana’s Minister of Education, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing higher education and research, assuring participants of President Mahama’s dedication to this cause. Notably, the President has directed the operationalization of a national research fund, with an initial allocation of US $5 million. Furthermore, the minister announced initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence and supporting students. These include domestic scholarships, with a directive for every public university to receive dedicated funding from the Ghana Education Trust Fund to support the training of five PhD students locally. This initiative aims to build faculty capacity and enhance academic research. The government’s upcoming launch of a sanitary pad initiative to support young girls who struggle with absenteeism due to inability to afford menstrual products was also highlighted, in line with promoting girls’ education.
Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education of the Republic of Ghana
The minister also encouraged the ACE Programme to consider establishing can Africa Center of Excellence in Youth Empowerment and Youth Development, to address growing unemployment, including graduate unemployment, by providing critical skills and support.
Additionally, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu highlighted the government’s interest in traditional medicine, recognizing its potential benefits, as well as the interest in focusing on infrastructural development, calling on the World Bank and other partners to support this area. The Minister also emphasized the importance of enhancing academic freedom, underscoring the President’s commitment to this principle. Moreover, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu highlighted the importance of foundational learning in Africa, citing inadequacies in literacy and numeracy in the case of Ghana.
About the ACE Programme
The Africa’s Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE) program is the first large scale regional program funded by the World Bank in the higher education sector in Africa. Through a series of three projects – ACE1 (2014-2020); ACE2 (2016 to date); and ACE Impact (2019 to date)— the program has supported competitively selected ACEs with specializations in regional development priority areas to deliver high-quality postgraduate training, skills-upgrading for professionals, applied research, entrepreneurship and innovation in priority sectors such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), agriculture, health, environment, and education. Across these projects, the World Bank has committed a total of US$657 million in support to participating governments, with an additional co-financing of US$72 million equivalent from the French Development Agency (AFD) for the ACE Impact project. In total, the ACE Program has supported some 80 centers in more than 50 universities across 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Association of African Universities (AAU) has provided regional facilitation support for two phases of the program: ACE I and ACE Impact, while the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) serves as the regional facilitation unit for ACE II, underscoring shared regional coordination efforts.
Virtual 12th Regional Workshop Highlights Progress and Sustainability
The virtual 12th Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) Regional Workshop on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, marked a decisive milestone in the ACE Impact project’s mission to transform African higher education. Convening over 200 stakeholders, including the 54 ACE centers, international experts, and key partners from the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), and the Association of African Universities (AAU), the workshop served as a pivotal forum to assess the progress, address ongoing challenges, and strategize for the project’s final phase as it approaches its scheduled conclusion in June 2025.
Opening remarks from AAU’s Secretary General – Professor Olusola Oyewole, the World Bank’s Task Team leader – Dr. Namrata Tognatta, and AFD’s Regional Education Manager – Mr. Wassim Hadj Ali, set a decisive tone, emphasizing higher education’s critical role in Africa’s socio-economic development. Each speaker highlighted the ACE Impact’s tangible achievements and stressed the importance of crafting sustainable models to ensure these centers continue their transformative work beyond the project’s lifespan. Notably, Dr. Tognatta commended the resilience of ACE Impact institutions, acknowledging their agility in adapting to pandemic-related challenges. Professor Oyewole called for robust partnerships with industry and government to secure ACE Impact’s legacy within African universities.
Project’s Progress updates from AAU’s Senior Program Manager responsible for the ACE Impact Project, Dr. Sylvia Mkandawire, showcased impressive strides in meeting ACE Impact’s ambitious targets, reporting overachievement in key metrics like internships (103%) and near-completion in student enrolment (99%), program accreditation (95%), research publications (88%), and external revenue (86%). Proposing ways to navigate the few governance, procurement, safeguards, and communication challenges, she was upbeat that the ACE Impact project could attain a 100% achievement rate before closure in June 2025. While the project is progressing toward a 100% achievement rate, Mrs. Adeline Addy, AAU’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, urged lower-performing centers to intensify their efforts. Notably, out of the $305 million allocated, $259 million has been disbursed, with further releases expected to reach $291 million by early 2025. Even though the project has so far disbursed approximately 259 million dollars to the 54 centers of excellence, the centers were reported to have utilized only 157 million dollars, representing 61% of the total disbursements. This relatively low average utilization rate was mainly attributed to procurement challenges and expenditure delays. Acknowledging these challenges, World Bank’s Education Consultant, Ms. Wura Mosuro, especially encouraged the low fund-utilizing centers to leverage the technical and financial support available to overcome these challenges and maximize their fund utilization and overall impact. Rounding off the project updates, financial contributions by AFD were detailed by Mr. Hadj Ali, who emphasized development finance’s critical role in sustaining project momentum.
Another key highlight of the workshop was the presentation on verification exercises, with a specific session focusing on recent reviews and outcomes. Mrs. Adeline Addy outlined the rigorous verification processes conducted alongside the World Bank, reporting over $22.6 million earned by centers from June to October 2024. Indicators such as student enrollment and research publications were tracked, revealing that some countries still have 6% to 35% of funds yet to be earned. Mrs. Addy also announced three upcoming verification rounds from November 2024 through April 2025, encouraging centers to maximize their earnings while addressing specific challenges. Ms. Veerle Bastiaanssen of Technopolis concluded with a review of submitted research publications, confirming that out of 471 submissions, 438 were eligible, and 270 were SCOPUS-indexed. She shared positive survey findings on ACE Impact graduates, showcasing their skill relevance, research impact, and high employment potential.
With the ACE Impact project’s closure on the horizon, Dr. Mkandawire charted a roadmap for the final months, underscoring priorities such as verification exercises, closeout activities, and comprehensive reporting.
The workshop concluded with insightful closing remarks from Drs. Xiaonan Cao and Namrata Tognatta of the World Bank. Both speakers commended the ACE Impact centers for their dedication and resilience throughout the project. Dr. Cao was particularly enthused about the capacities that the centers of excellence had developed to take off, highlighting the critical need for continued collaboration among themselves and with development partners and regional governments to sustain the gains made through the ACE Impact project. In her final words, Dr. Namrata Tognatta, encouraging the ACE Impact centers to maintain their momentum as they work towards the final stages of the project, advised them to continue to comply with safeguard and fiduciary requirements and attend implementation support meetings. She reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the ACE Impact centers in their mission to enhance higher education and research in Africa to ensure a long-lasting transformative project impact.
Preceding the 12th Reginal workshop, the Project Steering Committee Meeting on October 21, 2024, identified strategic solutions to project bottlenecks. This workshop also sets the stage for a series of participating Country Roundtable and Implementation Support Meetings on November 11 -25th, 2024, aiming to offer targeted assistance in financial management, procurement, and evaluation as the ACE Impact centers enter the final stretch of this transformative project.
In a milestone event for digital learning in Africa, the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology-Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) held a groundbreaking eLearning Conference from October 2-4, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria. In collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the conference highlighted ACETEL’s innovative work in leveraging ACE Impact project resources to bridge educational gaps through cutting-edge digital learning programs.
A networking session
Delivering an inspiring keynote, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), praised ACETEL as a shining example of the ACE Impact project’s vision to empower African education through technology. Prof. Oyewole emphasized the ACE Impact initiative’s role in equipping universities to tackle challenges such as limited access, outdated infrastructure, and skill gaps in technology, paving the way for sustainable educational solutions. “The ACE Impact project has helped institutions like ACETEL develop homegrown solutions that are redefining education delivery,” he stated, calling for greater investment in digital infrastructure and continued partnerships to expand ACETEL’s success.
ACETEL Director Prof. Grace Jokthan outlined the center’s achievements, including the creation of eLearning platforms that reach students in underserved areas, contributing to increased enrollment, groundbreaking research, and regional development. Prof. Jokthan emphasized ACETEL’s mission to equip educators and learners with essential digital skills and extend these solutions across West Africa, underscoring collaboration with other ACE Impact centers to share knowledge and best practices.
ACETEL Director Prof. Grace Jokthan welcoming conference participants
Emerging technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and VR, were also spotlighted as tools with transformative potential. ACETEL’s pioneering approach to integrating these technologies reflects the ACE Impact project’s goal to use innovative solutions for local challenges. Demonstrations on VR and AR for virtual labs showed how students can gain hands-on experience, while blockchain technology was discussed for securing academic credentials, aligning with ACE Impact’s commitment to institutional quality and resilience.
A Panel Discussion SessionVC of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Olufemi Peters, delivering his welcome address at the ACETEL eLearning Conference
A major outcome of the conference was the reinforcement of partnerships across academia, industry, and government. Panel discussions underscored the value of public-private collaborations, a core ACE Impact principle, to ensure the longevity and scalability of digital learning. ACETEL’s alliances with NITDA and NOUN are instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s tech-education sector and achieving the ACE Impact project’s vision of a digitally inclusive African education system.
Participants asking thought-provoking questions and making insightful contributions to the confenrence during the Q&A Session and
The ACETEL eLearning Conference showcased the ACE Impact project’s transformative influence on African higher education, emphasizing technology’s power to expand access, foster innovation, and meet regional development needs. As the conference concluded, participants reaffirmed their dedication to driving forward the digital transformation launched by ACE Impact, with a focus on innovation, expanding educational access, and preparing African institutions to thrive in the global digital economy.
Some people with disabilities in attendance at the ACETEL eLearning Conference
In today’s fast-evolving digital age, higher education in Africa faces an urgent call to adapt, innovate, and prepare students for a competitive global landscape. Recognizing this critical need, the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology-Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) hosted a groundbreaking e-learning conference from October 2-4, 2024, in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
A keynote address by the Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU) underscored AAU’s ambitious digitization agenda, a core part of its 2024-2030 strategic plan. As AAU leads the ACE Impact project with 54 Centers of Excellence across Africa, including ACETEL, it remains dedicated to pioneering a resilient, tech-enabled educational future for the continent.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic’s lessons, Professor Oyewole spoke passionately about the need for African education to transcend traditional classroom boundaries. “Education must be accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to the digital age,” he asserted, highlighting the AAU’s commitment to reducing access disparities through technology, particularly in rural regions.
The ACETEL conference highlighted the center’s contributions to AAU’s digital vision, with ACETEL’s Director, Professor Grace Jokthan, commended for her leadership in implementing hybrid and blended learning models. This approach aligns with AAU’s mission to create a workforce-ready education system and has positioned ACETEL as a leader in African digital learning innovation.
While acknowledging progress, Professor Oyewole also called attention to the infrastructure gaps and connectivity challenges impeding widespread e-learning adoption. “Equitable digital access is essential if we are to avoid deepening educational divides,” he urged, stressing AAU’s advocacy for increased investment in digital resources across African institutions.
AAU Secretary General, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, delivering a keynote address at the ACETEL eLearning Conference in Abuja
Lifelong learning was another key theme, with Professor Oyewole emphasizing that education should not end at graduation. “Our students must be ready to learn continuously, evolving with the global economy,” he said, reflecting AAU’s vision of fostering future-ready learning ecosystems that remain agile to global trends.
ACETEL’s partnerships with NOUN and NITDA were showcased as models of collaborative success, exemplifying how academia, government, and industry can work together to drive digital innovation in African higher education. Professor Oyewole encouraged African universities to strengthen networks locally and globally to advance the region’s digital education agenda.
“Education is a shared responsibility,” he concluded. Professor Oyewole thus took the lead in reaffirming AAU’s commitment to supporting technology-enhanced learning across the continent. He emphasized that AAU, through its digitization agenda, will continue to provide leadership in advocating digital transformation, capacity building, and innovation in African higher education.
“AAU stands ready to work hand-in-hand with our member institutions to drive the digital transformation of African higher education. Together, we can build a future where no student is denied the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the development of our continent,” Professor Oyewole concluded.
As reflected in Professor Oyewole’s keynote address during ACETEL’s eLearning Conference, the future of African education lies in embracing the power of digital learning. With initiatives like ACETEL and the ACE Impact project, backed by AAU’s strategic commitment to digitization, Africa is well-positioned to meet the educational challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The path forward is clear: African universities must continue to innovate, collaborate, and harness the potential of technology to inspire the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) is making waves in marine conservation, driving the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to a prestigious position in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. UCC’s remarkable achievements in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water have positioned the university as Ghana’s top-ranked institution, 3rd in West Africa, and 16th across Africa.
This recognition highlights UCC’s pivotal role in sustainable marine resource management, coastal ecosystem protection, and combating marine pollution, all of which are anchored in ACECoR’s groundbreaking initiatives. The center has become a critical force in addressing major environmental challenges such as unregulated fishing, ocean acidification, and biodiversity preservation, earning UCC global acclaim.
ACECoR’s Key Contributions to Marine Conservation
Establishment of Marine Protected Areas
One of the center’s most impactful projects is the Coastal and Marine Conservation Drive Project (COMADRIP). This initiative spearheaded the creation of a pilot Marine Protected Area (MPA) management strategy for the Greater Cape Three Points area in Ghana. The project played a crucial role in the designation of a 700 km² MPA, which is set to be officially established in 2026. This protected area will safeguard marine biodiversity, foster sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the long-term health of the coastal ecosystem.
Women Shell fishers and Food Security Project In collaboration with the University of Rhode Island and supported by USAID, ACECoR is championing the Women Shell fishers and Food Security Project, which spans 11 West African coastal communities, including Senegal and Nigeria. This project not only promotes gender inclusivity but also strengthens food security by empowering women in shellfish co-management. ACECoR’s leadership in conducting the first regional assessment of women-led shellfish co-management and producing six technical studies from Ghana and The Gambia has elevated the potential for sustainable shellfishery practices across the region.
Community Outreach and Education ACECoR’s outreach and education programs are crucial to its success, directly engaging coastal communities to promote sustainable fishing practices. These initiatives empower local populations to take ownership of marine conservation, fostering environmental stewardship at the grassroots level. By instilling a sense of responsibility among those who rely most on marine resources, ACECoR ensures its conservation efforts are sustainable and community driven.
Capacity Building and Training
ACECoR plays a key role in building the capacity of stakeholders in marine resource management. Through specialized training programs, the center equips fishermen, policymakers, and researchers with the skills needed to manage marine ecosystems sustainably. This emphasis on capacity building is creating a new generation of marine conservation experts, positioning Ghana as a leader in the preservation of coastal and marine environments.
Cutting-Edge Research Informing Policy
At the heart of ACECoR’s work is its commitment to cutting-edge research that tackles key challenges such as pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable fisheries. This research informs national and regional policy, providing critical evidence-based recommendations to improve marine conservation strategies. The center’s ability to influence policymaking highlights its role in shaping Ghana’s and West Africa’s approach to marine conservation.
ACECoR- Narkwa Oyster Harvesters Association, Ghana (NOHA) members undergoing leadership, advocacy and basic water quality monitoring training
A Continental Leader in Marine Conservation
ACECoR’s efforts have solidified UCC’s status as a trailblazer in marine conservation, not only in Ghana but across Africa. The center’s contributions underscore the powerful role that academic institutions can play in addressing global environmental challenges. By pioneering innovative solutions and fostering sustainable practices, ACECoR is leading the charge toward a more resilient future for coastal and marine ecosystems.
The recognition UCC has received in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a testament to ACECoR’s transformative work. As the center continues to drive marine conservation efforts, it is helping to shape a future where coastal communities and marine life can thrive in harmony.
Environmental sustainability is no longer a distant concern but a critical issue that demands immediate action. As climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss threaten our planet, global and regional efforts are accelerating to protect the environment for future generations. Among these efforts is the Africa Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project, a testament to the power of research, education, and innovation in addressing environmental challenges across Africa.
Global Efforts in Environmental Sustainability
On the global front, several initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable future. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, continues to be a cornerstone in the fight against climate change, with countries committing to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework, with specific goals dedicated to climate action, life below water, and life on land. Organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provide critical scientific assessments that guide global climate policies, while numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocate for environmental protection and sustainable practices.
Regional Initiatives in Environmental Sustainability
While global efforts set the overarching agenda, regional initiatives tailor sustainability strategies to local contexts and challenges. In Africa for instance, initiatives like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 emphasises sustainable development, with projects focused on reforestation, conservation, and building climate resilience across the continent.
Despite the several global and regional initiatives, enduring challenges such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, deforestation, and pollution, with their attendant far-reaching and devastating consequences, highlight the urgent need for continued and enhanced efforts to create a sustainable environment.
World Bank’s Climate Change support through regional initiatives
In response to these growing challenges, the World Bank has taken a leading role in promoting environmental sustainability. Through its Climate Change Action Plan, the World Bank integrates climate considerations into its development efforts, financing projects that promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience across the globe.
The ACE Impact Project
A flagship initiative supported by the World Bank, the Africa Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project is a vital player in addressing regional development challenges through education and research. The project focuses on critical areas including:
Environmental Management and Climate Change: Equipping institutions with the expertise and resources needed to tackle environmental challenges.
Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting environmentally sound agricultural practices to ensure food security and resource conservation.
Water Resources Management: Enhancing the sustainable management of water resources for development and resilience.
Renewable Energy: Supporting renewable energy projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Areas of Engagement
The World Bank, through its ACE Impact project, established seven (7) centers of excellence focusing on safeguarding the environment in various capacities including coastal resilience, water and sanitation, and sustainable mining activities. These centers are ACE in Water and Sanitation (C2EA), University of Abomey- Calavi, Benin; ACE for Training and Research in Water Science and Technology, 2iE, Burkina Faso; ACE in Mines and Mining Environment (CEA-MEM), INP-HB, Ivory Coast; ACE in Valorization of Waste into High Value-Added Products (VALOPRO), INP-HB, Ivory Coast; ACE in Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA-CCBAD), Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Ivory Coast; Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK), KNUST, Ghana; Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Center for Mines and Societies (CEMS), Institute of Mines and Geology Boké, Guinea. The centre’s focus span;
Capacity Building: Strengthening institutions and human capital through education and training to address environmental challenges.
Research and Innovation: Supporting research initiatives that lead to innovative solutions for sustainability.
Policy and Advocacy: Assisting governments in formulating and implementing policies that promote environmental sustainability.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues to ensure environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Environmental sustainability is a global imperative that requires a collaborative at all levels, global, regional, and local. Initiatives like the Paris Agreements and the SDGs set the stage , but regional initiatives like ACE Impact, are where meaningful, context-specific change happens. Through education, research, policy, and community involvement, the ACE Impact project is playing a pivotal role in securing a healthier, more resilient planet for future generations.
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.
