A Loughborough University delegation recently concluded their visit to Ghana with a focus on strengthening collaborations that support youth development, innovation, and global academic exchange.

The delegation led by Prof. Sam Grogan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, accompanied by Amanda Daley, Professor of Behavioural Medicine, and Florence Mutero, Global Engagement Officer — held high-level meetings with Honourable George Opare Addo, Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, and representatives of the Association of Ghana Start-ups.

At the Ministry, the team explored areas of alignment between Ghana’s youth empowerment agenda and Loughborough University’s strengths in behavioural science, education, and sport development. Both parties discussed capacity-building initiatives, student mobility, and co-designed research opportunities that can create 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 the team’s meeting with Solomon Adjei, President of the Association of Ghana Start-ups, the Loughborough University team highlighted potential areas of synergy in training, incubation programmes, and research on youth-led businesses. The visit reinforced the University’s commitment to supporting grassroots innovation ecosystems across Africa.

“By partnering with Ghanaian startups 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 government and innovation-focused engagements, the Loughborough University delegation also paid courtesy visits to key education and development stakeholders, including the Graduate Guidance Group and IDP, where they explored opportunities for student recruitment and guidance services. They also met with the Jospong Group of Companies, one of Ghana’s largest and most diversified holding companies, to discuss the role of industry-academic partnerships in driving research, sustainability, and workforce development.

The visit to Ghana followed the delegation’s earlier stop in Nigeria, where they met with the Honourable Minister of State for Education to discuss strategic alignment on STEM research, climate resilience, sport, student experience, and scholarship pathways. These strategic engagements in Nigeria and Ghana reaffirm Loughborough University’s commitment to co-creating long-term partnerships that support inclusive growth and global impact in West Africa.