Kumasi: The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT) in China have come together to host a forum aimed at advancing discussions on intelligent electric vehicles across Africa. This event, titled '2025 China-Africa Automotive Development', seeks to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy.
According to Ghana News Agency, the forum, organized by the Confucius Institute at KNUST along with the College of Engineering, focused on the theme 'Intelligent Manufacturing of Lightweight Electric Vehicles'. It gathered a diverse range of participants, including researchers, students, government officials, diplomats, and exhibitors. The event featured displays of electric bikes, scooters, cars, and charging stations that have been developed or adapted for local use.
Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, announced that both KNUST and HUAT are taking steps toward establishing an International Joint Research Center for Advanced Automotive Energy Storage Materials and Systems. This initiative is poised to influence the future of transportation in Africa, with a focus on battery storage research, vehicle design, and grid integration, ensuring that local knowledge aligns with global advancements. Prof. Dickson emphasized the importance of creating solutions that are responsive and scalable, encouraging students and engineers to contribute to sustainable mobility.
Prof. Wang Xiao, President of HUAT, praised the Confucius Institute for facilitating collaboration between KNUST and HUAT. He highlighted the participation of KNUST professors in the 2024 China-Africa Automotive Development Forum and International Conference on New Energy and Intelligent Connected Vehicles at HUAT, aiming to foster development through exchanges in automotive engineering education.
Mr. Li Yang, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, noted the potential for growth in Africa's automobile market and affirmed China's commitment to advancing industrialization in Africa. Meanwhile, Mr. Seth Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy and Green Transition at Ghana's Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, expressed optimism that the Ghana-China partnership will yield measurable outcomes, particularly in the evolution of Ghana's electric vehicle market over the next five years. He stressed that technology transfer, joint ventures, and training with China could significantly boost progress.