Kumasi, 31^st March – Vivo Energy Ghana PLC (VEGH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to collaborate on the upcoming NextGen Energy Innovators Challenge, an initiative aimed at empowering students to develop innovative solutions for Ghana’s evolving energy needs.

The NextGen Energy Innovators Challenge is designed to foster innovation among students by providing a platform where young engineers and innovators can develop practical ideas and technologies addressing real-world challenges in the energy sector.

The MoU was signed during a courtesy visit to the University by the leadership and management team of Vivo Energy Ghana, following the successful ShePower Summit 2026 held at the University’s College of Engineering.

Leading the Vivo Energy Ghana delegation, Mr. Christian Li, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting that KNUST is the right place to foster such collaboration.

“I believe we are at the right place and there are many more alumni from KNUST at Vivo Energy Ghana,” he said.

He added that the future of energy will be driven by bold ideas, inclusive thinking, and strong collaboration.

“This partnership with KNUST reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and empowering them to transform ideas into impactful solutions for Ghana and beyond,” he noted.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST welcomed the collaboration and underscored the importance of academia-industry partnerships in driving innovation and national development.

“At KNUST we strongly value partnerships between academia and industry, as our goal is to prepare students for real-world careers. That’s why we’re keen to hear your perspective on how well our students meet your expectations,” he said. He further assured the company of KNUST’s full support in nurturing the partnership.

Sharing remarks during the signing ceremony, Professor Edmund Ekuadzi, Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), said the agreement formally initiates the collaboration between the University and VEGH, and marks the beginning of a structured academia-industry partnership. He noted that the collaboration will be led by Dr. Kwame Sarkodie, Head of Department, Petroleum Engineering.

Through the NextGen Energy Innovators Challenge, students will have the opportunity to showcase innovative concepts, prototypes, and research-driven solutions, while benefiting from mentorship and exposure to industry expertise.

The partnership also reflects Vivo Energy Ghana’s broader vision to be Africa’s leading and most respected energy business, by investing in people, strengthening institutions, and driving innovation that delivers long-term value for society.

The collaboration deepens a shared commitment by both institutions to develop talent, advance innovation, and build a sustainable energy future for Ghana.

End

Media contact:

Shirley Tony Kum

Corporate Communications Manager

Vivo Energy Ghana

+ 233 540 116 600

Notes to editors:

With a vision to be Africa’s leading and most respected energy business Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants was established in 2013. The Shell brand has been in Ghana since 1928. Vivo Energy Ghana has a fuels storage capacity of 11,000m³ and 250 service stations, with many offering Shell Cards and convenience retail stores.

The Vivo Energy Group operates and markets its products in countries across North, West, East, Southern Africa and in the Indian Ocean Islands. The extended Group has a network of over 4,000 service stations in 28 markets operating under the Engen and Shell brands and exports lubricants to a number of other African countries. Its retail offering includes fuels, lubricants, card services, convenience stores, restaurants, and other non-fuel services. It provides fuels, lubricants, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and chemicals to business customers across a range of sectors including marine, aviation, mining, construction, power, transport, agriculture and manufacturing. It is continuing to develop innovative energy solutions to enhance sustainability. 

The Company employs over 6,000 people and has access to over 2 billion litres of fuel storage capacity. 

For more information about Vivo Energy please visit www.vivoenergy.com.