UG Strengthens Global Partnerships to Advance Research, Technology and Innovation through High-Level Visit to China
Efforts by the University of Ghana to achieve global impact through innovative research, teaching and learning, using a technology-driven and people-centred approach, have received a massive boost with a high-level working visit to four provinces in China.
The provinces, which host some of China’s leading universities and research institutions, included Shenzhen, Beijing, Henan and Zhejiang.
The visit, undertaken by two separate University delegations led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, marked an important step in expanding international partnerships that support the University’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.
The visit commenced in Shenzhen, where the first delegation was hosted by Huawei for a series of engagements at its Data Communication and Storage Innovation Lab, Training Centre, Exhibition Hall and R&D campus. These sessions provided valuable insights into Huawei’s extensive investment in research and its comprehensive approach to talent development, highlighting the transformative potential of sustained collaboration with global technology leaders.
In Beijing, the team visited Peking University’s High-Performance Computing Platform to explore advanced research computing models strengthened through university-industry collaboration. The delegation also toured Huawei’s Wangfujing Flagship Store to experience the application of emerging digital technologies across various product lines.
A courtesy call on Ghana’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Kojo Bonsu, provided an opportunity to discuss pathways for supporting Ghanaian universities in securing training and partnership opportunities with Chinese institutions. The Ambassador reaffirmed the commitment of the Embassy to facilitate engagements that support training for 20 UG students; expand digital skills development for the youth and access to cutting-edge research collaborations.
The next phase of the visit took the delegation to Zhengzhou in Henan Province, where engagements focused on agriculture, applied technology and industry integration. At the Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, the team visited teaching and research facilities specialising in animal science, food processing and applied STEM.
Discussions centred on operationalising an existing MoU between the two institutions.
Field visits to a large-scale automated poultry farm and technology companies, Yunhe Data Co. Ltd and Newcapec Electronics Co. Ltd, illustrated China’s strong model of linking industry with training, research and innovation ecosystems.
In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the final stop of the visit, the delegation participated in the 2025 Board Meeting of the UG Confucius Institute alongside representatives from the Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT). The meeting reviewed progress discussed the 2026 programme plan, and strengthened institutional ties with ZJUT, a key partner in advancing cultural and academic exchange.
Across all four provinces, the delegation observed China’s deliberate and coordinated development strategy, driven by investment in people, systems and technology. The visit opened new opportunities for the University of Ghana in research collaboration, technology partnerships, joint training initiatives, digital transformation and innovation-led growth.
Prof. Amfo expressed appreciation to Huawei, Peking University, the Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhejiang University of Technology, industry partners and officials of the Ghana Embassy in Beijing for their warm reception and commitment to fostering strategic collaboration. She noted that the strengthened partnerships will translate into meaningful opportunities for students and faculty, positioning the University of Ghana as a leading institution contributing to national development through global engagement.