By: Belinda Nketia
President John Dramani Mahama has asked African nations to harness the power of research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to drive the continent’s development.
Speaking 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 said the ACE program stands at the forefront of Africa’s efforts to create a knowledge-based economy and bridge critical skills gaps in emerging sectors.
“The future prospects for the ACE program are very bright,” he said. “With sustained support from governments, donors and the private sector, these centers can scale up their impact, deepen regional cooperation, and lead Africa’s charge toward a knowledge-based future.”
President Mahama underscored the urgency of aligning higher education with labor market needs to reduce graduate unemployment and boost economic growth.
“Our continued collaboration in scientific research remains central to addressing some of our continent’s most urgent developmental challenges; from skills gaps and limited digital literacy to high capital costs in critical sectors like renewable energy,” he said.
He further called for stronger collaboration between universities, industry, and public institutions to make education more responsive and relevant whiles highlightinh the need for updated curricula, hands-on training, and clear pathways from academia to the workforce.
The President also sounded the alarm on gender disparities in science and technology, urging academic institutions to promote inclusive policies and expand opportunities for women in STEM fields.
“It is imperative that we recognize and respond to the unique challenges faced by women in scientific and technical careers,” President Mahama said, applauding ACE centers for offering targeted scholarships, mentorship programs, and building supportive institutional cultures for women in STEM.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with both long-standing and new partners to ensure the next chapter of the ACE initiative delivers even greater impact.
“We see ourselves not only as beneficiaries of partnerships but as active contributors to a collective vision for Africa’s development,” he said. “Excellence in education, research and innovation must not be bound by national border, it must be driven by shared purpose and mutual strength.” he concluded his speech.
The ACE@10 forum, which runs 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. Highlights include exhibitions, panel discussions, academic dialogues and networking sessions.
The ACE program, launched in 2014 with support from the World Bank and other development partners, aims to strengthen postgraduate training and applied research in key sectors such as science, technology, engineering, health, agriculture, and education. In 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.
