A delegation from Loughborough University has concluded a working visit to Ghana with a focus on advancing collaborations in youth development, innovation, and global academic exchange.

Led by Professor Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, the delegation included Professor Amanda Daley, an expert in Behavioural Medicine, and Florence Mutero, Global Engagement Officer. The team held high-level meetings with Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, and representatives from the Association of Ghana Start-ups.

At the Ministry, discussions centred on aligning Ghana’s youth empowerment agenda with Loughborough University’s strengths in behavioural science, education, and sports development. Both parties explored joint capacity-building programmes, student mobility schemes, and co-designed research opportunities aimed at delivering transformative impact for Ghanaian youth.

“Young people are our shared global future, and innovation is the bridge that gets us there,” said Prof. Grogan. “By investing in collaborative education and entrepreneurship, we are investing in generations of problem solvers and change-makers.”

During a meeting with Solomon Adjei, President of the Association of Ghana Start-ups, the delegation outlined areas of potential collaboration in training, incubation programmes, and research focused on youth-led enterprises. The visit reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering grassroots innovation ecosystems across Africa.

“By partnering with Ghanaian start-ups and aligning with the country’s green economy priorities, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth that drive transformative impact for young entrepreneurs,” Prof. Grogan added.

In addition to engagements with government and innovation stakeholders, the team paid courtesy calls on key education and development organisations, including the Graduate Guidance Group and IDP, to explore opportunities in student recruitment and guidance services. The delegation also met with the Jospong Group of Companies, one of Ghana’s largest and most diversified holding firms, to discuss industry-academic partnerships focused on research, sustainability, and workforce development.

The Ghana visit followed an earlier stop in Nigeria, where the delegation met with the Minister of State for Education to discuss strategic alignment on STEM research, climate resilience, sport, student experience, and scholarship opportunities.

Together, the strategic engagements in Ghana and Nigeria underscore Loughborough University’s commitment to co-creating long-term partnerships that drive inclusive development and global impact across West Africa.