ETH-Ashesi Masterprogram Ghana


The program will support the establishment of a new Master’s degree program in mechatronics engineering in Ghana in cooperation with the private sector. It will provide a tertiary education to highly skilled and talented Ghanaian and other African students, empowering them to contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

Country/region Period Budget
Ghana
01.04.2021 - 31.12.2029
CHF  1’000’000
Background

Africa needs highly-skilled engineers that can lead industrial development with a strong sense of social responsibility, leadership skills and with a good understanding of the local context. Creating jobs and offering the right education opportunities is on the agenda of many African countries including Ghana. By 2050, the region is expected to account for one-third of the global labour force. There is a great demand for highly qualified engineers in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially also by international companies. Being skilled in robotics, automation and production, mechatronics engineers are important drivers of industrial development.

Objectives

Support ETH and Ashesi University to develop jointly a Master’s degree program in mechatronics engineering. The seven year initiative will allow enough time to embed the program into Ashesi’s structures. It will develop the curriculum for the mechatronics Master’s degree, with input from industry, and also include non-technical competencies, such as leadership skills. The program will provide highly educated engineers that can lead industrial development with a strong responsibility, leadership skills and a good understanding of the local context. Industry partners, including companies from Switzerland, will also provide financial support in the form of scholarships as well as in-kind contributions through internships at the end of the studies.

Medium-term outcomes

1) The Ashesi University’s study offer is improved by adding a master’s degree program in mechatronics relevant for the region.

2) Maximized benefit and potential of the two universities’ cooperation by (i) improving teaching and research, including at ETH Zurich (mainly in gender and soft skills) and (ii) increased scientific collaboration.

3) Improved alignment between higher education and labour market needs and better access to job opportunities for highly qualified students by engaging the private sector in education initiatives.

Results

Expected results:  

1.1) Master's degree in mechatronics engineering curriculum developed

1.2) Selection process of students for the first five cohorts of the program conducted (gender disaggregated)

2.1) ETH and Ashesi University deliver tandem teachings in Ghana

2.2) Number of collaborative research projects established

2.3) ETH awareness and know-how on gender equity and leadership skills increased

3.1) Financial and in-kind support from industrial partners

3.2) Regular and continuous feedback loops from industrial partners

3.3) Job offers for graduates

3.4) Internships offered by local/regional partners for students in their final semester

3.5) Strategic partnership between Ashesi University and industrial partners


Directorate/federal office responsible SECO
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF    10’576’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.04.2021 - 31.12.2029   (Current phase)