The Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence Project (ACE II) held a half day workshop on January 16, 2017 at Elilly International Hotel.

Participating in the workshop were heads and academic staff of the AAU, State Ministers, government officials, World Bank representatives and center leaders of the ACE.

In his welcoming speech, Addis Ababa University President, Admasu Tsegaye (Prof.) pointed out that higher institutions should have science and technology as a basis for applied research as it enables them address internal problems as well as cop up with the dramatic changes of the world.

He congratulated Addis Ababa University and Haramaya University on winning the World Bank loan to launch four centers of excellence expected to serve Eastern and Southern African Countries.

Afework Kassu (Prof.), State Minster for Science and Technology, for his part announced that his Ministry will provide the necessary support for the universities implementing the ACE project. He also said that other universities should draw experience from the ACE centers at AAU and Haramaya University.

While briefing participants on the initiation and purpose of the ACE project, program leader and delegate of the World Bank Country Director in Ethiopia, Andrew Goodland stated that given the rich human resource in Ethiopia, higher institutions should produce a skilled generation that will surely transform the country.

ACE centers of excellence at AAU and Haramaya University were showcased on the workshop by center leaders. The centers include: Africa Railways Engineering and Research Institute, Water Management, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic trials for Africa and Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation.

The workshop was organized by the AAU and the World. The World Bank has sponsored 6 million USD for each project for a period of five years.

ACEs are expected to perform, develop and enhance partnership with other academic institutions (national, regional and international) to pursue academic excellence.