In early November 2025, a distinguished delegation from the Nkabom Collaborative, comprising Ashesi University, the Association of Ghana Industries, Koforidua Technical University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 鶹ýվ, the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, the University of Ghana, and the University of Health and Allied Sciences, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, gathered in Montreal to advance a shared vision for transforming nutrition, agri-food, and health systems. The visit marked a significant step toward advancing shared goals of transforming nutrition and agri-food systems, strengthening health systems, and creating dignified employment opportunities for young people, particularly women and marginalized communities, while strengthening innovation ecosystems across Ghana.
Throughout the week, partners engaged in future-focused conversations on agri-food and nutrition transformation, health systems strengthening, entrepreneurship, and youth workforce development. These discussions were shaped by the remarkable expertise, lived experience, and sector leadership of the Ghanaian institutions, whose work in community-driven research, technical training, entrepreneurship, and applied sciences serves as the Collaborative’s foundation. 鶹ýվ colleagues contributed perspectives from agricultural sciences, global health, and continuing education, creating a mutually enriching exchange of ideas and approaches.
Celebrating Unity and Innovation
During the networking breakfast at the 鶹ýվ Faculty Club and Conference Centre, 鶹ýվ’s President and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deep Saini set the tone for the week with a powerful message about the spirit of collaboration: "The word Nkabom means unity in the Akan language of Ghana — and unity is exactly what we celebrate this week: unity of purpose, of learning, of innovation. This is not just another academic program. It is a ten-year commitment to build bridges between classrooms and communities, between research and practice, between ambition and opportunity.”
He emphasized that the Nkabom Collaborative represents a bold new model of partnership—one that reimagines education as a catalyst for sustainable growth and places equity at the center of economic transformation through youth empowerment. Emelia Ayipio Asamoah, Head of Workforce Development at the Mastercard Foundation, reinforced the significance of this transformative initiative, reminding the audience that “this is not just about numbers for us; it is about lives changed, communities strengthened, and systems transformed. It is about building a future where young people can thrive in industries that are resilient, sustainable, and locally rooted. let us remember that the work we do here has the power to shape the future, not just for institutions, but for the thousands of young people whose lives that we are going to transform.”
Adding to this vision, Provost Christopher Manfredi highlighted 鶹ýվ’s mission and the value of reciprocal exchange: “At 鶹ýվ, our mission has always been to offer the highest quality education, supported by research and scholarly activities that meet the most rigorous international standards. Through Nkabom, we are proud to extend this mission through meaningful, reciprocal exchanges of knowledge, skills, and capacity”.
Connecting Research, Education, and Industry
The visit opened new pathways for collaboration that draw on the comparative strengths of each partner institution. Ghanaian leaders shared insights from their pioneering work across agri-food processing, community nutrition, food systems policy, environmental sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship, helping shape joint priorities for research, professional training, and innovation.
Partners explored opportunities for joint research, student exchanges, and experiential learning programs that bridge academic knowledge with industry needs. Engagements with 鶹ýվ Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship highlighted the role of innovation and enterprise creation in addressing global challenges, particularly through youth leadership.
Building a lasting partnership
The week concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration through research, professional education, and innovation. As Prof. Saini affirmed: “Together, we are building something that will outlive this week, outlast any one project, and grow through the relationships we strengthen here.”
Above all, the visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to Ghanaian youth, the driving purpose behind the Nkabom Collaborative. Partners reflected on the responsibility to stay aligned, coordinated, and focused as they work across institutions and borders to expand meaningful opportunities for young people.
Photos from Owen Egan and Stephane Mukunzi