Deadline: 28 September 2018
In partnership with the World Bank, governments from 12 West and Central African countries are seeking proposals from higher education institutions that address a regional development challenge through a focused program of postgraduate education and applied research.
The proposals are part of the preparations for the Africa Centers of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) Project, which aims to improve the quality, quantity and development impact of postgraduate education in selected universities through regional specialization and collaboration. The project builds upon two, successful on-going phases of the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) projects; ACE I and ACE II.
With expected International Development Association (IDA) financing of $290 million, the project will support 25 new Centers of Excellence, as well as provide support to about 15 existing centers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Universities from participating ACE I countries with ongoing master’s and Ph.D. programs are eligible to submit a proposal. Participating countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, and Togo.
- Each proposal for an ACE Impact center is expected to identify an aspect of a pre-identified development challenge that can be addressed with an integrated program of education and research achievable within 4 ½ years. Development challenges include coastal degradation, digital development, education training and leadership, social risk management, nursing, power, public procurement, public policy and quantitative skills, transport, urban design and water. Proposals focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), health, and agriculture are particularly encouraged, as well as proposals led by female faculty members. At least two of the supported ACE Impact centers will be led by women.
How to Apply
Proposals must be submitted at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit Call for Proposals.