Imperial College London has officially opened its first African hub in Accra, Ghana, marking a historic milestone as the first UK university to establish a permanent African base dedicated to science and technology. The hub, named Imperial Global Ghana, aims to enhance collaboration in research, technology, education, and entrepreneurship between West Africa and the UK.
The launch event, held on 13 November 2024, brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, including representatives from the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, a billion-dollar UNDP initiative supporting African startups. Imperial President Hugh Brady pledged to accelerate breakthroughs in cutting-edge science and deep tech while expanding enterprise support and access to capital.
Key Initiatives of Imperial Global Ghana
AI and Climate Fellowships
Imperial Global Ghana will focus on fellowship programmes designed to empower researchers and entrepreneurs in Africa:
- Imperial-Schmidt AI Fellows Programme:
- This initiative supports early-career researchers from the University of Ghana and the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). Participants will collaborate with Imperial’s IX Centre for AI in London, leveraging AI for scientific research and economic growth. Funded by Schmidt Sciences, the programme aims to build sustained local capacity.
- AIMS-Imperial Global Fellows Programme:
- Forty doctoral researchers will work together in Accra to address climate change and urbanisation challenges, equipping participants with professional and collaborative skills.
A Catalyst for Scientific Collaboration
The Ghana hub builds on existing partnerships in fields such as:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Vaccine Research
- AI and Data Science
- Sustainable Cities
- Entrepreneurship Training
Imperial’s collaboration with African scientists has seen remarkable growth, with joint research publications increasing from one per month in 2019 to over one per week in 2023.
Leaders Highlight the Importance of the Hub
President Hugh Brady:
“Our Ghana hub strengthens longstanding partnerships, including collaborations with the University of Ghana. By focusing on AI and climate resilience, we aim to drive economic growth, improve healthcare, and deliver more responsive public services in West Africa.”
Ophelia Mensah-Hayford, Ghana’s Minister of Science and Technology:
“Imperial’s hub signifies a renewed UK-Ghana partnership in science and innovation, cementing Ghana’s status as a regional tech and innovation leader.”
Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana:
“This collaboration epitomises the deep education ties between the UK and Ghana. Together, we’re empowering future scientists and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into reality.”
Empowering African Startups with the Timbuktoo Initiative
Imperial’s partnership with the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, spearheaded by the UNDP, aims to commercialise African scientific breakthroughs and ensure they reach those who need them most. The initiative will help foster a thriving innovation ecosystem that addresses key challenges like climate change and economic disparity.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Imperial Global Ghana connects Africa’s innovation ecosystem with London and other global hubs in San Francisco, Singapore, and India. This initiative aligns with the UK-Ghana Science Technology & Innovation Strategy, which aims to foster high-impact partnerships between the two nations.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of Imperial Global Ghana signals a new era of collaboration and innovation in West Africa. By investing in AI research, climate resilience, and entrepreneurship, the hub will strengthen Ghana’s position as a leader in science and technology while unlocking Africa’s vast potential for innovation.
Visit Imperial Global Ghana for more information.
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