A partnership between Arizona State University (ASU) and KNUST, through the USAID-funded CARISCA initiative, is transforming African supply chains, boosting local economies, and strengthening U.S. trade ties by leveraging academic expertise and fostering innovation in key sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
For over a decade, Arizona State University (ASU) has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement transformative projects worldwide, including in Ghana.
One of the standout collaborations is the Center for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain-Africa (CARISCA), a transformative initiative in partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
CARISCA, launched in 2019, aims to revolutionize supply chain systems across Africa, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on global competitors like China.
By leveraging KNUST’s local expertise and ASU’s world-class supply chain management knowledge, the initiative has made significant strides in strengthening supply chains in key sectors such as healthcare and agriculture.
As the lead African partner, KNUST has played a pivotal role in co-creating innovative solutions tailored to local needs. The university has collaborated with over a dozen enterprise partners, improving supply chain efficiency and creating alternative sourcing options for U.S. businesses.
CARISCA has also elevated KNUST’s academic and research capabilities. The initiative has funded scholarships for more than 140 graduate students, with 17 scholars earning PhDs in supply chain-related fields in spring 2024 alone. Additionally, CARISCA has helped establish a Career Services Office and an alumni relations program at KNUST, further enhancing the university’s capacity to produce skilled professionals.
The project has extended its reach beyond academia, partnering with industry leaders like Intel, Applied Materials, and Chemonics to apply artificial intelligence in improving pharmaceutical distribution in Ghana. These efforts not only boost local economies but also align with U.S. interests by fostering stronger trade ties and reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains.