The Ashesi-ETH Master's program: empowering engineers for a sustainable future

• Creating and investing in education programs is essential to building a skilled workforce that drives sustainability.

• The Ashesi-ETH Master’s in Mechatronics Engineering aims at shaping the engineers of the future in sub-Saharan Africa. 

• The goal of this program is to develop highly qualified engineers and future leaders, “in Africa, for Africa.” 

ABB's Role in Building a Sustainable Workforce

At ABB, we believe in the power of education to spark social progress and sustainable development. Our partnership with Ashesi-ETH, launched in 2020 alongside six other industrial companies, reflects our commitment to empowering communities through education.

Our support goes beyond financial backing. In addition to covering tuition and providing mentorship, we offer industrial internships that give students real-world experience in their home countries. This hands-on training equips them to tackle local challenges while contributing to a more sustainable future. Our first group of  interns, who completed their placements in Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria in September 2024, demonstrated the power of this approach.

Lesego Machaba, HR Talent Partner at ABB South Africa, plays a pivotal role in this program. She collaborates with ETH and Ashesi on student recruitment, assigning mentors, and ensuring the success of the students throughout their journey. Her insights into the importance of this partnership, along with practical advice for students, can be found in the video below:

Bridging Education and Industry for Long-Term Impact

This partnership is about more than academic success. Lesego Machaba emphasizes the transformative nature of the program: “This partnership is crucial as it bridges the gap between education and industry. It ensures that these bright minds can drive economic and social development in their communities.”

Meet the Future Engineers of Africa

This year’s cohort of students-turned-interns is already making an impact. Meet:

• Santa Mary Imede – based in Uganda
• Paulo Kamili Shayo – based in Tanzania 
• Goodnews Iduku – based in Nigeria

These rising engineers are gaining invaluable skills through hands-on experience that will enable them to tackle sustainability challenges in their respective regions.

A Continued Commitment to Education and Sustainability

At ABB, we are proud to support this ongoing partnership with Ashesi and ETH. Together, we are promoting education, fostering talent, and empowering the engineers of tomorrow to lead the charge toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.