KNUST Wins Inaugural Africa Higher Education Transformation Prize, Secures US$3 Million Award
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has been named one of five inaugural winners of the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, a landmark initiative by the Mastercard Foundation aimed at recognising African universities that are transforming higher education and expanding opportunities for young people across the continent.
As one of the inaugural recipients, KNUST will receive US$3 million to strengthen its efforts in advancing innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and graduate employability. The award forms part of the Mastercard Foundation’s US$500 million, 10-year commitment to supporting transformative higher education institutions across Africa.
Recognising Excellence in Higher Education
The newly launched Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize celebrates universities that are driving institution-wide change and creating meaningful opportunities for young people through quality education, research, and innovation.
Alongside KNUST, the inaugural winners include:
- Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia)
- International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering – 2iE (Burkina Faso)
- Muni University (Uganda)
- University of Rwanda (Rwanda)
Expanding Opportunities for Young People
According to the Mastercard Foundation, the AHEFT Prize seeks to support institutions that are preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to contribute to Africa’s economic and social development.
The funding will enable recipient institutions to expand initiatives that improve teaching and learning, strengthen research capacity, promote innovation, and enhance pathways from higher education to employment and enterprise.
Why This Matters
KNUST’s recognition places Ghana among the leading institutions shaping the future of higher education on the continent. Beyond the financial award, the achievement highlights the university’s growing influence in developing solutions that equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving economy.
As higher education continues to play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment and fostering innovation, investments such as the AHEFT Prize are expected to create more opportunities for students, researchers, and future entrepreneurs across Africa.
Primary Source: Mastercard Foundation
