Accra: The establishment of the African Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) has significantly bolstered the capacity of the continent's universities to address Africa's challenges through innovation and solution development. This was highlighted during a high-level forum marking the 10th anniversary of the ACE initiative.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, announced that genomics researchers in Ghana and Nigeria have been instrumental in sequencing the COVID-19 and Ebola genomes, contributing to global pandemic response efforts. In Ghana and Kenya, advancements in agricultural biotechnology have led to the creation of improved seeds, enhancing food security and agricultural resilience.
Launched in 2014, the ACE initiative is a collaborative endeavor supported by the World Bank and other funding institutions, aimed at empowering Africa to drive global development. In Senegal, the Centre has developed medical training programs that facilitate complex surgeries locally, reducing reliance on overseas treatments and improving specialized care access.
Prof Appiah Amfo further stated that the integration of artificial intelligence in Nigeria, Senegal, and Rwanda is equipping a new generation of professionals for future job markets. Tanzania has developed a digital surveillance tool enabling health workers to act as "disease detectives."
The Centre has enrolled over 90,000 students across Africa, with about 32% being female, reflecting a commitment to increasing female enrolment. More than 130 programs have obtained international accreditation, including those in poultry science, crop seed science, and water supply technology, fostering stronger links with industries and communities.
Ghana hosts the second highest number of African centres of excellence, contributing significantly to regional and global research and innovation. The Africa Centre of Excellence for Coastal Resilience and the West African Centre for Water Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture conduct critical research in environmental sustainability and food security.
Prof Appiah Amfo called for political will and domestic financing from African governments to optimize the operations of these centers. Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, emphasized the need for a new centre focused on foundational learning and youth empowerment. He assured the government's commitment to higher education and research, highlighting plans to operationalize a national research fund and support local PhDs.
Mr. Ousmane Diagana, Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa at the World Bank, reinforced the bank's support for fostering world-class education in Africa, emphasizing that education is crucial for sustainable growth and equal opportunities.
