Since 2018, the World Bank has supported Africa-Japan higher education partnerships through initiatives such as the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) program and the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund. These programs focus on improving the quality of scientific research and innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa while encouraging international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The growing interest of Japanese universities and industries in collaborating with African institutions led to matchmaking events in 2018 and 2019. These events successfully resulted in the signing of more than ten Memoranda of Understanding, establishing the foundation for academic and research partnerships between the two regions.
With TICAD returning to Japan this year, the World Bank has invited several Africa Centers of Excellence to join a dedicated seminar designed to strengthen collaboration with Japanese partners. The event provides a platform for African institutions to present their research expertise and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Nine centers from universities in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, and Togo will participate in the seminar. Each center will present its work, followed by in-person and virtual matchmaking sessions with Japanese universities and industries to encourage knowledge exchange and partnership building.
The seminar seeks to showcase the contributions of African higher education institutions while creating pathways for joint research, innovation, and academic exchange programs. It aims to generate discussions that may lead to long-term collaborations, including student and faculty exchanges, as well as joint projects addressing global challenges.
By providing this platform, the World Bank continues to play a vital role in linking African centers of academic excellence with international partners, strengthening both regional capacity and global cooperation in higher education and scientific innovation.
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