Project & Operations

Abstract: The Support to a Network of African Institutions of Science and Technology Project is based on the premise that it is cost-effective to promote and enhance linkages among African S&T institutions to pool resources through networks established as poles of excellence, and build on the strengths of the respective institutions. As such, the Project seeks to provide a regional consolidated response to the need for high-level expertise in science and engineering in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by expanding equitable access and improving the quality and relevance of higher education and research through the enhancement of a pole of excellence in science and technology (S&T) in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. Indeed, it is increasingly recognized that the availability of a critical mass of water, energy and environmental scientists and engineers are essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in health, education and economic growth, hence the crucial need for high quality and relevant training programs. By building skills and strengthening knowledge, tertiary institutions can provide countries with the capacity to generate growth and accelerate economic development. The Project outcomes include: (i) increased access to quality engineering and science education; (ii) enhanced relevance through linkages with the productive sector; (iii) harmonized certification of academic degrees in ECOWAS region; (iv) strengthened public-private partnerships (PPP) in the provision of quality HEST training; and (v) enlarged regional and institutional networking in S&T. The Project will be implemented over a 3-year period at a cost of UA12.00 million and will benefit all countries in the ECOWAS region and beyond.