Dr. Francis Boateng Agyenim

Dr. Francis Boateng Agyenim is a Ghanaian scholar and leader with extensive experience in academia, research, and industry. He currently serves as the Director of the CSIR-Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR), Ghana’s premier research and development institute dedicated to driving national progress and global competitiveness through science and technology.

Before his current role, Dr. Agyenim held leadership positions at various institutions, including Dean of the Graduate School at the Ghana Communication Technology University and Lecturer/Researcher at universities in the UK - Nottingham, Ulster and Cardiff. His academic career focused on renewable and alternative energy systems, sustainable energy technologies, and related research areas. He has also served as a lead consultant and principal investigator on numerous research and development projects. He has for the past 10 years mobilsed in excess of 20 million USD to fund several developmental and research projects, including 3.4 million Euros fund from African Union Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA), funded by KfW.

Dr. Agyenim brings a wealth of international experience to his various roles. He has consulted for international organizations like UNESCO, UNDP, and BMBF, and participated in expert consultations under the Paris Agreement. He has also collaborated with universities and companies across the globe, fostering research and development partnerships.

Beyond academia and research, Dr. Agyenim possesses a strong track record in leadership and governance. He has served on the boards of several international, regional, and national organizations, including universities, councils, and private companies. He has actively contributed to shaping strategic direction and providing guidance across various sectors including AU’s African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC, 2nd Vice Chair representing West Africa) and West African Science Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASSCAL, 2^nd Vice Chair and representing Ghana). He has chaired/served as a member on several Search Committees to recruit Executive Directors of International Organisations (WASSCAL and SASSCAL) as well as chair the technical committee of Ghana Innovation Challenge, established by Ghana Government to build an innovation culture and to commercialise innovations among Ghanaian youth across the globe.

Dr. Agyenim is a highly accomplished individual with a distinguished academic background. He holds a PhD in Solar Energy Engineering (UK), an MSc in Energy Conversion and Management (Germany), and a BSc (Hons) in Metallurgical Engineering (Ghana). He has developed and implemented several innovations including the Zero Waste Disposal concept (ZeWaD), Industrial Innovation Hub (i² –Hub), mobile controlled solar powered irrigation system and novel solar powered absorption cooling system.  He is a prolific author with several peer reviewed articles and other publications in his field of expertise. 

Dr. Agyenim’s dedication to research, innovation, and leadership makes him an asset to the boards and organizations he serves, including the Bureau of AU African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU - ASRIC).