Imperial opens science, technology hub in Ghana

By Bright Philip Donkor

Imperial, the leading global science, technology and business university, has launched its first African hub in Accra, becoming the first UK university to have a permanent base solely focused on science and technology in Africa.

Speaking during the launch at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Accra on Wednesday November 14, 2024, Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady said: “Imperial’s new Ghana Hub builds on a strong foundation of collaboration between Imperial and the University of Ghana in medical diagnostics, vaccine research, future cities and entrepreneurship training. It will further strengthen and scale up our research and innovation partnerships in West Africa.

“The focus on AI, enabled by generous funding from the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI for Science Programme, is especially exciting and will see Imperial collaborate with the University of Ghana and African Institute of Mathematical Sciences to develop new tools and applications to drive key economic growth sectors, better healthcare outcomes and more efficient and responsive public services.”

Significance

In her welcome address, the UK High Commissioner for Ghana, Harriet Thompson, emphasised the hub’s significance in fostering research, innovation, and educational exchange between the two nations.

“I am pleased to be hosting you today for this momentous occasion – the launch of Imperial College London’s Global Hub in Ghana. This is a significant milestone in the strengthening of academic and scientific collaboration between the United Kingdom and Ghana,” she said, highlighting Imperial College’s global reputation for excellence in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, business, and innovation. “Let me congratulate Imperial College for its achievement as the 2nd best university in academic quality across the globe,” she added.

She stressed that Imperial College London’s strategic decision to establish a hub in Ghana reflected Ghana’s growing importance within Africa. “Over recent years, Imperial has built partnerships across the continent, particularly in Ghana, focusing on medical diagnostics, vaccine research, artificial intelligence and data science, climate science, sustainable cities, and entrepreneurship training”.

“Collaborations have been forged with major Ghanaian institutions, including the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the University of Cape Coast. This decision highlights not only the strategic importance of Ghana within the African continent but also the incredible potential and talent that resides within this great nation,” Thompson stated. She further noted that over 360 partnerships between Ghanaian and British institutions had been identified in a comprehensive strategy to deepen knowledge and skills exchange.

Drive advancements

Imperial’s presence in Ghana is expected to drive advancements in critical sectors. The UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) strategy underlines the emphasis on collaboration. “The establishment of this hub will serve as a catalyst for research, education, innovation, and creating opportunities for collaboration between Ghanaian and British scientists, researchers, and students,” Thompson emphasized. The initiative aims to bolster economic growth, improve health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life through cutting-edge research and technological advancements.

The High Commissioner expressed optimism about the potential impact of this partnership on education and entrepreneurship. “With more British higher education institutions operating in Ghana, we hope to build a transnational education partnership to create yet more opportunities for Ghanaian students,” she said. The hub will play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs equipped to address global challenges and drive growth.

Commendation

Thompson praised the efforts of all those involved in realizing the hub, extending special thanks to Clare, the Hub leader in Ghana, and the British High Commission (BHC) team. She also acknowledged the support of the Ghanaian government, particularly the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Ministry of Education.

The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah-Hayford, said: “The choice of Ghana as one of Imperial’s new global hubs for research and innovation is a testament to our renewed partnership with the British Government for Science, Technology, and Innovation.

“With its enviable position in global university rankings and entrepreneurship, there is no doubt this collaboration will make Ghana one of the best technology and innovation clusters in the Sub Region.”

Natalie Jabangwe, Executive Secretary of the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation said: “As a proud alumna, Imperial was incredibly important in shaping my career development, particularly in helping me to create one of the largest Fintechs in Africa. I believe that Imperial Global Ghana is a game changer on the Continent for the skills transfer of its world class education”.

Excellent

UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said: “It is excellent to see Imperial College London opening a hub in Ghana, ensuring both countries benefit from shared expertise and opening up opportunities for talent across the region, while deepening the UK’s ties with one of the leading nations for R&D in Africa.”

Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said: “The Continent of Africa, home to the world’s youngest population, is a vibrant epicentre of grassroots innovation. Complementing initiatives like the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Accelerator Labs Network, the Timbuktoo Initiative, and our University Innovation Pods (UniPods), Imperial College London’s new science and technology hub in Ghana can further unlock this vast potential, fueling a startup ecosystem that is key to making breakthroughs across the Sustainable Development Goals – everything from driving job creation to advancing climate action and safeguarding our natural world.”