TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY MEETING (May 22^nd – 24^th May, 2023)

Objectives of the Technical and Appraisal Meeting

The Technical and Advisory Meetings of the ACE II Project are organized to provide the opportunity for ACEs, IUCEA, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to reflect on the progress of the project and provide technical support through the presentation of topical issues relevant to the project. The planned meeting to be held from 22^nd to 24^th MAY 2023 will specifically reflect on the question why most countries in Africa have made slow progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this, the critical roles of research and innovation from Centers of excellence will be presented and discussed. The meeting will also reflect on the sustainability of the project, commercialization of research outputs, implementation of environmental and social safeguards and verification of Performance Based Conditions. The meeting will end with an agreement on the best practices for the improvement of the project performance.

Participants

Participants include:

• Members of the Regional Steering Committee
• ACE II Center Leaders
• ACE II Deputy Center Leaders
• IUCEA/RFU staff
• World Bank technical team
• Independent verification team

Organization of the meeting

The meeting will be held in a hybrid manner. The meeting will be organized to receive presentations and discussions on selected topics/issues relevant to the project. To address specific issues and challenges faced by the ACEs, the World Bank and IUCEA will lead and provide technical support in the preparation for the closure of the project in December 2023.