The visit was an opportunity to share best practice and insight and find solutions to address funding gaps and drive growth and innovation across the countries.  

On the first day, representatives of Loughborough University listened to presentations from Dr Vathiswa Papu Zamxaka, Dr Omwansa, and Nashiro Salify about the Sub-Saharan Africa and UK Research and Innovation Funding landscape before a drinks reception and dinner was held alongside University staff and  South African, Ghanian and Kenyan students from the University.  

The second day of the visit offered further opportunities to present and explore collaboration in research and innovation in the fields of science and technology, with talks from the following:

• Professor Chris Linton, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and International Special Envoys Dr Hibbah Osei-Kwasi and Dr Oluwasola Afolabi – Loughborough University’s engagement in the UK’s Research and Innovation Funding Landscape 
• Dr Nick Gostick, Head of IP Management and Commercialisation - Workshop on the Commercialisation of Research and Innovation at Loughborough 
• Dr Monalie Bandulasena, IP Management and Commercialisation Manager, and Dr Ofonime Udoudo, Partnership Development Manager, and Kathryn Burchell, Head of Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange – How Loughborough University promote impact in Research and Innovation 

Lily Rumsey, Director of Global Engagement commented: “To partner with the Department for Business and Trade, the Science and Innovation Network and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to host such a significant delegation from across the African continent consisting of Universities, Ministries and Funding bodies for Research and Innovation created an invaluable opportunity for institutions in the Midlands to learn about the Research and Innovation ecosystems across the African continent and to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration and future joint funding opportunities.  

“Loughborough University extend our deepest gratitude to the Department for Business and Trade for providing the platform to showcase our globally impactful research in the region.”