ACE Comms TeamIn the current era, the importance of global academic and scientific collaboration is more recognized than ever before, especially in health, technology, and the environment. In this context, the ACE Partner project, a product of a collaborative institutional effort by the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the Institute of Research for Development, and the Association of African Universities, is a beacon of innovation. It embodies a legacy of producing relevant scientific contributions, strengthening global interconnectedness, and tackling sustainable development challenges across West Africa. This transformative legacy is evidenced in the individual and collective contributions of the initiative’s four networks of excellence—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).
WANIDA’s Contribution
WANIDA is deeply committed to fostering collaboration and showcasing its research through events. This dedication was evident at its inaugural symposium in Ghana in March 2023, bringing together over 500 experts from 152 institutions across 31 countries, not only from Africa but also from the UK, the US, and France. The symposium underscored a multidisciplinary approach to infectious disease research, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It also featured the My Thesis in 3 Minutes challenge, which showcased students’ research, enhanced their presentation skills, and rewarded the winners with a total of €4,000 to undertake research projects that would contribute to Africa’s efforts at containing infectious diseases.
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.
WANIDA’s influence extends beyond regional borders, as demonstrated by its research presentations at the 15th International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA) in Denmark. The network’s committed researchers shared new and exciting findings at this event. They discussed potential new ways to treat a parasitic disease called schistosomiasis and how to control the snails that spread it. They also examined studies on malaria, 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.
DSTN’s Contribution
DSTN has been at the forefront of integrating digital innovation and sustainable development and setting global platforms for fruitful deliberations among academia, industry, and government. 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 from academia, the public and private sectors, and NGOs to discuss the intersection of research, innovation, and technology transfer. The symposium’s key outcome, a Joint Manifesto, provided recommendations for digital transformation in Africa, emphasising infrastructure security, data harnessing, and robust frameworks to support digital research.
Additionally, DSTN’s consultation on digitalization in West African higher education significantly impacted 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.
RAMR2D’s Contribution
RAMR2D is tackling the environmental and social impacts of mining head-on by advancing responsible mining practices that align with global sustainability goals. The RAMR2D Bootcamp in June 2022 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 deepened its efforts toward responsible mining practices by significantly contributing to Motion 67 at the 2021 IUCN Congress to minimise biodiversity impacts. 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.
Furthermore, RAM2RD participated in the 3rd ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum in Niger. Here, 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.
RES-EAU’s Contribution
Lastly, RES-EAU has been instrumental in addressing one of the most critical resources for life—water. The network is championing innovative water management solutions that enhance water security and sustainability in the Sahel region through global forums and partnering with regional stakeholders. Its participation in the World Water Forum in Senegal testified to its contributions to assessing global water challenges. The network organised events that emphasised sustainable water management, interdisciplinary solutions, and innovative approaches to water security. The partnerships RES-EAU brokered with Senegal’s SEN’EAU and Cote d’Ivoire’s Veolia at this forum led to new research programmes and internship opportunities.
RES-EAU’s technical expertise in water management was recognised by the UNCCD when UNCCD appointed it to define a transboundary water strategy for the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative. By integrating sustainable water practices, leveraging advanced technologies like remote sensing, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the 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.
As the ACE Partner project concludes its formal funding phase, its unmistakable legacy of impactful research, innovative solutions, and sustainable regional development blueprint, championed by the combined efforts of its four thematic networks—WANIDA, DSTN, RAMR2D, and RES-EAU—lives on to demonstrate what can be achieved when shared vision, collaboration, and dedication converge.