(Business in Cameroon) - The World Bank’s board has just approved 150 million dollars (around 75 billion) in financing for 19 centres of excellence at universities located in seven West and Central African towns. The project aims to strengthen science and technology instruction across the continent. Cameroon will receive 4 billion FCfa (8 million dollars).

For Cameroon, which has seven universities, as well as Nigeria (70 million dollars), Ghana (24 million), Senegal (16 million), Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo (8 million each), and six other project beneficiaries, financing will be provided by the International Development Association (IDA).

According to a press release by the World Bank, the selected centres will receive financing to support instruction specialised in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as agriculture and health.

“I am delighted to support the creation of these centres of excellence, because they will bring us one step closer to the establishment of superior institutions of international calibre on the continent,” stated Makhtar Diop (photo), Vice-President of the World Bank for the African region. “In my opinion, there’s no better way to bolster the economy of African countries, create jobs and support research than by training young graduates in the fields that are needed, such as chemical engineering, agronomy and the fight against infectious diseases,” he added.

The centres of excellence project aims to mitigate lacks in scientific and technical instruction on the continent and the consequences that they can have on the job market due to a lack of skilled labour. “The proportion of researchers in the active population in Africa remains extremely low,” highlighted the World Bank in its press release. The centres of excellence, “will help young people to fulfil their aspirations without having to leave. This will also help companies to find the profiles needed without having to recruit foreign nationals.”