Africa (DTI-A) and the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation (SMF) have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to higher education for young women in Ghana, following a strategic engagement with the University of Ghana, Legon, to strengthen their joint scholarship initiative.
The visit, which included high-level discussions with the University’s Financial Aid Office, formed part of efforts to align the partnership with existing student support structures and reinforce pathways for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged young women. The engagement further underscored the organisations’ shared ambition to scale educational opportunities across the continent.
Through the DTI-A and SMF scholarship programme, more than 20 exceptional young women across Africa will receive full tertiary education funding this year. The initiative provides comprehensive support covering tuition and accommodation expenses for the entire duration of study, with beneficiaries gaining access to academic opportunities both within Africa and in the United Arab Emirates.
The Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation was represented by Ganesh Umashankar, a Council Member of the Foundation, while Nana Adjoa Hackman, Founder of Drive to Inspire – Africa, led the delegation during the visit. Representing the University of Ghana was Selina Torrison Saaka, Head of the Students’ Financial Aid Office.
Drive to Inspire – Africa, is a non-profit organisation focused on the empowerment of young people in Africa, especially girls and young women, through the transformational tools of education, scholarship and mentorship. The organisation has positioned itself as a catalyst for educational equity, and is focused on bridging the gap in access to education by providing scholarships, structured, cross-border mentorship, and long-term empowerment pathways for young women with high academic potential but from underprivileged backgrounds
The Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation, established by philanthropist Sanjeev Mansotra, operates as the social impact arm of Planet One Group. The Foundation is driven by a vision to advance education and sustainable development, reflecting Mr. Mansotra’s belief that access to quality education remains central to long-term economic transformation and societal progress. Planet One Group operates across 16 countries with interests spanning education, natural resources, renewable energy, agriculture, and wellness.
Both organisations emphasised a shared commitment to empowering youth through education, with a focus on reducing the financial barriers that continue to limit access to higher learning opportunities across Africa.
The University of Ghana welcomed the initiative and commended Drive to Inspire – Africa and the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation for their proactive contribution to advancing equity in education. The University highlighted the importance of such partnerships in strengthening institutional capacity to deliver inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education.
