A World Bank project called the African Centers of Excellence (ACE) initiative, which loans money to African governments, is planning to double its budget with a third, and likely final, investment totaling approximately $280 million. Launched in 2014 with $165 million in loans, the ACE initiative has established 46 education and research centers in 17 countries on the continent. The latest investment totals more than $500 million on behalf of the World Bank, and French development agency AFD may also eventually contribute an additional $50 million.

Governments of the African nations that receive the loans provide five-year grants to the Centers allowing them to fund infrastructure, staff expansions and student financial support. All research conducted from the grants focuses on pressing local challenges, such as maternal health, plant breeding, sanitation and infectious diseases. So far, the Western and Central African Centers have enrolled 6,500 Master’s and 1,600 PhD students, while the Eastern and South African centers have enrolled 1,800 graduate and post-graduate students.

The Centers are expected to be self-sustaining once the World Bank loans run out, and will depend on local governments, philanthropic organizations and national industries to help with funding.

Source: Nature