Following a public request, Gong was appointed to increase visibility and awareness of the the Royal Academy of Engineering's grants programmes across sub-Saharan Africa and to amplify its role in helping to build sustainable societies and inclusive economies.

Gong communications will deliver the work from its offices in London and Nairobi, working with its partners in other countries in Africa where required.

Meredith Ettridge, head of sustainable development at the Royal Academy of Engineering says, "As an international programme working in sub-Saharan Africa, it was important to us that the team we engaged with had strong local expertise and knowledge. We were also impressed by Gong’s experience in diversity and inclusion, a key pillar of our 2020-2025 strategy, and its commitment to diversity in its own team.”

The Higher Education Partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa Programme (HEP SSA) is supported by the Anglo American Group Foundation and UK Government through the Global Challenges Research Fund. It was established by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2016, following a successful pilot scheme. 

Gong’s director, Nikki Francis-Jones said, “The Royal Academy of Engineering’s brief combined everything we are passionate about. Its mission to build sustainable societies and inclusive economies that work for everyone spoke to our B Corp values and we are incredibly proud to have been appointed to work on the project.”