The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR), in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), AUDA-NEPAD and KfW Development Bank, has officially cut sod for the construction of the Integrated Industry Training, Entrepreneurship and Database Hub (ITAED-Hub) at the CSIR-IIR premises in Accra.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia and development institutions, including Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu, Director-General of CSIR; Dr. Francis Boateng Agyenim, Director of CSIR-IIR; Pharm. Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, President of AGI; Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of AGI; Mr. Zakaria Sulemana, Director-General of CTVET; representatives of the Ministries of Education as well as industry leaders and development partners.
Funded through a €3 million grant under the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) programme, implemented by AUDA-NEPAD and financed by KfW Development Bank, the ITAED-Hub is expected to become a centre of excellence for industry-focused skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship. The facility will provide practical training in automotive technology, mechatronics, CAD/CAM, CNC machining, 3D printing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare described the project as a significant investment in Ghana’s industrial and human capital development. She noted that the hub will help address the mismatch between education and industry by equipping young people with the practical skills required by modern industries while supporting local content development and entrepreneurship.
AGI President, Pharm. Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between industry and research institutions to bridge Ghana’s skills gap. He noted that the facility will support the development of competencies in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and digital manufacturing, while helping industries access the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive.
The ITAED-Hub is expected to strengthen linkages between research, industry and technical education, creating opportunities for innovation, enterprise development, and youth employment while supporting Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda.
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