Amidst the captivating vistas of the West African archipelago of Cape Verde lies a thriving coastal tourism industry, vital for both employment and economic prosperity. According to a 2021 report by UNCTAD Development and Globalization, coastal tourism contributes to an average of 35% of jobs, and 25% GDP of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In Cape Verde, coastal tourism is responsible for half (46.8%) of employment in Cape Verde and 25% of the country’s GDP in 2019 (Statista). Climate change looms large over Cape Verde’s picturesque shores, threatening a thriving vital sector.

With such heavy reliance on coastal tourism industry, the impact of climate change poses a serious threat to the industry. Recognizing the urgent need for resilience in the face of environmental challenges, and the risks associated with continuous sea level rise, Mr. Paulino Baptista Dias Jesus embarked on a transformative journey supported by the ACE Impact project. Hailing from Cape Verde, Paulino seized the opportunity provided by the Africa Center of Excellence for Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana to pursue a PhD in Blue Economy, Governance, and Social Resilience.

With a background in economic sciences and global management, Paulino is spearheading groundbreaking research into the intersection of climate change perception and investment decision-making in coastal tourism destinations within Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Cape Verde. His mission is clear: to empower decision-makers with the insights needed to foster climate-resilient businesses and safeguard the future of coastal communities.

Understanding and fostering climate-resilient businesses within the coastal tourism industry is crucial for mitigating risks posed by climate change. By gaining insights into investors’ perceptions of climate vulnerability, we can design effective policies and financing strategies to bolster the resilience of the tourism sector, safeguarding businesses, jobs, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Having studied economic sciences and global management respectively for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with his current research, Paulino is assessing investors’ perceptions about climate change drivers and plausible future impacts in three coastal tourism destinations in Cape Verde. Paulino’s approach is holistic, encompassing stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and knowledge dissemination. to achieve his vision, he will map all relevant entities within the tourism industry in Cape Verde, design tailored data collection tool, conduct data analysis, and disseminate his findings on multiple platforms.

He strongly believes by doing so, he will help create a buoyant tourism industry, safeguarding jobs, sustaining regular cashflows, and ultimately enhancing economic growth along the coast of SIDS.

By collaborating with local entities and leveraging his internship with Biosfera1, a leading NGO dedicated to marine conservation in Cape Verde, he has gained firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the blue economy. Collaborating with Biosfera1, Paulino contributed to vital projects on fostering sustainable entrepreneurship in coastal communities.

This practical experience has not only enriched his academic pursuits but also propelled him into a leadership role within Biosfera1 with his appointment as a non-executive member of board of directors of Biosfera1, further amplifying his impact.

Supported by the ACE Impact project, Paulino’s journey extends beyond academia. His expertise is now sought after by international organizations like The World Bank Group, Luxembourgh Development Agency, and the United Nations, where he advises on policies and interventions to address the climate crisis in coastal tourism. Armed with a deep understanding of both the scientific and practical aspects of sustainability, Paulino is poised to shape a brighter future for coastal communities across sub-Saharan Africa.

According to a 2017 World Bank report on the growing role of minerals and metals for a low carbon future, mineral production could increase by fivefold to meet an estimated demand of 3 billion tons by 2050. While this burgeoning demand promises economic opportunities, it also underscores the imperative for responsible mining practices to mitigate adverse effects on communities and ecosystems, leading to health challenges to people and places.  As a result, responsible mining practices aimed at fostering sustainable development has become a paramount concern for industry stakeholders and holds significant interest among development partners.

The Africa Center of Excellence in Mining and Mining Environment (CEA MEM) one of 53 World Bank-funded centers of excellence, since its inception in 2017, CEA MEM has been spearheading strategic initiatives aimed at minimizing the negative impact of mining on the environment while maximizing the benefits for mineral-rich African nations. The center has been forming global, regional, and national research partnerships and scientific networks to ensure Africa undertakes responsible mining activities and attains a sustainable mining environment.

To broaden its impact in the mining sector, CEA MEM has forged partnerships with various institutions crucial to achieving its core objectives. These collaborations encompass mining companies and other entities sharing similar aims with the Center. One notable partnership is with the Institute of Research Development (IRD), where CEA MEM is one of the three institutions under the thematic network for Responsible Mining and Sustainable Development (AMR2D). Collaborating with co-centers CEA MS in Guinea and CEA EM in Niger, CEA MEM has executed significant interventions including capacity-building initiatives for key stakeholders, organizing and participating in several summits, workshops, and other events through the ACE Partner project.

Through its partnership with IRD and under the RAMR2D network of the ACE Partner project, CEA MEM in June 2021 participated in a mining boot camp in Niger’s capital city of Niamey. Themed, Multi-scale Approaches to the Impacts of Artisanal and Industrial Gold Mining in West Africa, the bootcamp provided a platform for academic and research exchange, bringing together stakeholders from other centers, countries, civil society representatives, mining companies, and small-scale mines to deliberate on responsible mining practices for sustainable development.

The high-level meeting culminated in the Niamey Declaration of 11 June 2021 for Responsible and Sustainable Development, outlining five key action points for advancing responsible mining practices, with CEA MEM as a signatory. (1) building bridges for multi-stakeholder dialog; (2) understanding the issue of mining through an interdisciplinary, inclusive, inter-ODD, and co-developed approach; (3) identifying and sharing innovative solutions for a community of practitioners; (4) rethinking the regulatory framework for mining through this multi-holder approach and within a regional logic; and (5) formalizing and monitoring the appropriate indicators for responsible mining.

This declaration serves as a strategy for monitoring actions and formalizing the community of experts and practitioners committed to responsible mining as a vehicle for sustainable development.

Additionally, CEA MEM has established a robust partnership with the Union of Small Mines in Cote d’Ivoire (SYN-GPMACI). Through this collaboration, CEA MEM provides scientific support to small mines aiming to optimize their production and implement best mining practices.

Leveraging international platforms, CEA MEM advocated for environmentally sustainable mining practices. For instance, in September 2021 the Centre actively participated in the World Conservation Summit, organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)contributing to the drafting of the IUCN Motion 67, an initiative aimed at reducing the impact of mining on biodiversity.

CEA MEM’s dedication to a sustainable mining environment was further showcased at COP15 in Abidjan. Through participation in special sessions, the Center addressed the role of sustainable mining activities in combating desertification in West Africa.

The center took part in two special sessions of the summit, themed: “Sustainable Mining Activities as a Tool against Desertification in West Africa” and “Shaping Enabling Conditions for Sustainable Interventions towards Drought Resilience in Africa Drylands: Intersecting Views.” This was made possible with the support of IRD as part of the ACE Partner project.

Furthermore, CEA MEM collaborates with German Cooperation (GIZ) to organize a series of workshops under various themes in sustainable mining, such as  (1) a multi-stakeholder dialog workshop on local content in Yamoussoukro, bringing together a representative group of mining stakeholders at all scales and sharing experiences; (2) a workshop on local mining; and (3) a workshop on mine site rehabilitation, within the INP-HB initiative. The center has also championed a workshop on small-scale mines with SYN-GPMPACI on the theme, “Collaboration between Public, Private, and Academic Actors for the Improvement of Small-Scale Mine Management in Cote d’Ivoire: Contributions of the Scientific Community for Mining Entrepreneurship at the Service of Economic and Social Development?” and a workshop on small-scale mines, themed: “Scientific and Administrative Support to Accelerate the Responsible Contribution of ASMs in National Pold production?”

In April 2022, CEA MEM co-organized the inaugural edition of ‘Mining the Connections’ conference in Canada, facilitating knowledge exchange among mining researchers and educators worldwide. The conference was organized in collaboration with the MinErAL, network, the LMI AMIR, and the SESAN laboratory.

Regionally, CEA MEM actively participates in high level panel discussions in a series of sub-regional meetings, providing scientific support for the implementation of responsible mining practices across various scales. As a higher education institution, CEA- MEM prioritizes training a skilled workforce to ensure sustainable mining practices at national, regional and global level. The Centre, at the national level co-supervises theses on sustainable and responsible mining approaches and has doctoral students from other African countries: Guinea, Niger, Benin, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The center takes an active part in the security and Gold Project in Cote d’Ivoire (SECORCI), training the first cohort of smallholder miners from the communities of Papara and Zanikaha, for the proper implementation of artisanal gold production. Lastly, CEA MEM is supporting the Kokumbo and Angovia communities with research activities covering the field of biodiversity protection, phytoremediation on soils, anthropological and sociological aspects and more. As part of the small green mine concept, CEA MEM is undertaking a study to propose measures for protecting watersheds from uncontrolled mining activities, contributing to the protection of larger aquatic systems like River Niger.

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

RWESCK Digital Skills Development

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

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

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

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

Innovative Rotary Dryer Technology for Food Waste Processing

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

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

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

Introduction

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

 The 2iE’s Innovative Intervention

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

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

Acceptance/Impact of the Technology

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

Transition in Leadership and Appreciation 

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

Mauritius Government’s Commitment to Higher Education 

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

Reflections and Future Directions 

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

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

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

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