The Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE II) Project, supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), will host an engaging X Space (Handle @Ace2Africa) live discussion on 20 November 2025 from 7:00 PM EAT, under the theme: A Conversation with African Professors Leading Innovation and Research.
The live 2-hour X session will bring together leading scholars from across the region who are spearheading Africa’s transformation through science, technology, and innovation. The discussion will highlight success stories, lessons, and the 10-year impact of the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE II) Project.
Speakers include:
- Prof. Emmanuel Kaunda, Vice Chancellor, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi.
- Dr. Ogwang Patrick Engeu, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda, and Founder of Jena Herbals Ltd.
- Dr. Nelly Chunda Mwango, Head of Research, Training and Consultancy, Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining (CBU ACESM), Copperbelt University, Zambia.
- Dr. Jennifer Batamuliza, Lecturer, University of Rwanda, Head of the Data-Driven Incubation Hub and founder, Rwa Tech Hub.
The conversation will be moderated by award-winning journalist Mr. Solomon Serwanjja, Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism.
Over the past decade, the ACE II Project has empowered 29 Centers of Excellence across eight countries, training thousands of postgraduate students, particularly women in STEM, and strengthening the region’s research capacity in the regional priority areas of health, agriculture, applied statistics, mathematics, and engineering.
This interactive X Space will celebrate these milestones while exploring the future of higher education and innovation in Africa.
The panel will discuss:
– The ACE II journey and milestones achieved.
– How African universities are translating research into innovation and impact.
– The role of partnerships in driving skills development and employability.
– Sustainability and the next phase of research excellence beyond ACE II.
Participants from across Africa and beyond are invited to join the live conversation on X (formerly Twitter) using the hashtag #AfricanInnovation, engage with the panelists, and share ideas on how higher education can continue to power Africa’s transformation.
About ACE II
The Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE II) Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), supports 18 universities across eight countries in delivering quality postgraduate education, strengthening regional collaboration, and promoting applied research that addresses Africa’s most pressing development challenges.
Press Contacts
Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)
Plot M833, Kigobe Road, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 7110, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: (+256) 704 481148
Email: aasiimwe@iucea.org
