President John Dramani Mahama has urged African nations to leverage research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to propel the continent’s development.
In his address at the opening ceremony of the 10th anniversary of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, President Mahama highlighted that the ACE program is pivotal in Africa’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy and address critical skills shortages in emerging sectors.
“The future prospects of the ACE program are incredibly promising,” he stated. “With continued support from governments, donors, and the private sector, these centers can amplify their impact, enhance regional cooperation, and lead Africa towards a knowledge-based future.”
The President emphasized the importance of aligning higher education with labor market demands to reduce graduate unemployment and drive economic growth.
“Our ongoing collaboration in scientific research is key to solving some of our continent’s most pressing developmental challenges, including skills gaps, limited digital literacy, and high capital costs in critical sectors like renewable energy,” he said.
He also called for stronger partnerships between universities, industry, and public institutions to make education more responsive and relevant. This, he noted, requires updated curricula, practical training, and clear pathways from academia to the workforce.
President Mahama also addressed gender disparities in science and technology, urging academic institutions to adopt inclusive policies and create more opportunities for women in STEM fields.
“It is essential that we acknowledge and tackle the unique challenges faced by women in scientific and technical careers,” the president stated, commending ACE centers for offering targeted scholarships and mentorship programs and fostering supportive institutional environments for women in STEM.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to collaborating with both long-standing and new partners to ensure the ACE initiative’s next chapter delivers an even greater impact.
“We see ourselves not just as beneficiaries of partnerships but as active contributors to a shared vision for Africa’s development,” he concluded. “Excellence in education, research, and innovation must transcend national borders; it must be driven by a collective purpose and mutual strength.”
The ACE@10 forum, taking place from April 7–9, 2025, brings together policymakers, university leaders, researchers, and international development agencies to reflect on a decade of progress and strategize for the future. The event includes exhibitions, panel discussions, academic dialogues, and networking sessions.
Launched in 2014 with support from the World Bank and other partners, the ACE program focuses on strengthening postgraduate training and applied research in key sectors like science, technology, engineering, health, agriculture, and education. Over the past decade, it has supported more than 80 centers across 20 sub-Saharan African countries, enrolling over 90,000 students and producing more than 10,000 research publications.
