Date: March 8, 2026
The National Union of Ghana Students – China (NUGS-China) has taken another significant step forward in its mission to create structured pathways for members by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Deqing Association for Geospatial Information Professionals. The agreement, signed on March 7, 2026, formally establishes a Ghanaian Student Internship and Incubation Base at the World Geospatial Information Home (WGIH) in Deqing Geospatial Information Town, China.
This partnership marks a major expansion of NUGS-China’s Talent Hub and Graduate Incubation Support Hub initiatives, opening a specialized pipeline for students in the geospatial information and related technology sectors.
A Strategic Partnership at a Global Hub
The Deqing Association for Geospatial Information Professionals is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting technological progress, university-industry collaboration, and international cooperation in the geospatial field. The Association is also responsible for cooperating with geospatial associations from various countries to advance the construction and operation of the World Geospatial Information Home.
The World Geospatial Information Home, based in Deqing Geospatial Information Town, is a significant international platform for cooperation in the geospatial information industry. Deqing itself is home to the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre, the first UN直属专门机构 established in China, making it a globally significant hub for geospatial technology and innovation. The WGIH was officially unveiled on May 30, 2025, and hosts representative offices of geospatial associations from several African countries, including the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG).
Scope of Cooperation: From Internships to Entrepreneurship
The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation designed to benefit Ghanaian students and graduates.
- Internship and Study Tours: NUGS-China will organize visits and study tours for Ghanaian students to Deqing Geospatial Information Town and its associated parks and enterprises. The Association will provide the necessary resources and support to facilitate these experiences.
- Internship Placement: The Association will collaborate with representatives from Ghana and other countries residing in the WGIH, as well as with Chinese enterprises looking to expand into Ghana and other African markets, to directly provide internship opportunities for Ghanaian students.
- Graduate Entrepreneurship Support: A key element of the agreement is the support for Ghanaian students’ entrepreneurial endeavors. The Association will leverage its advantages and local government policies to provide necessary support for Ghanaian students in China to start their own businesses in Deqing Geospatial Information Town after graduation.
- Industry Collaboration: NUGS-China will actively seek to understand the state and demands of the geospatial information sector in Ghana and match them with China’s technological strengths, facilitating cooperation between industry enterprises in both countries.
Governance and Mechanism
The MOU establishes a robust cooperation mechanism. Both parties will create a WeChat group and designate contacts for daily communication, information exchange, and activity coordination. For specific projects, further consultations will be held to clarify detailed plans and responsibilities. The agreement is valid for three years and was witnessed by the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana and the Association of Ghana Industries.
A Strategic Fit for NUGS-China’s Vision
This partnership is a direct extension of the Union`s vision on the need to create pathways that connect members to industry and platforms where their knowledge can generate meaningful impact.
The agreement strategically integrates with NUGS-China’s Talent Hub by creating a dedicated, specialized channel for students in geospatial fields to gain practical experience with leading companies. It also aligns with the Graduate Incubation Support Hub by offering a concrete location and support system for graduates to transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses.
By establishing this base at the World Geospatial Information Home, NUGS-China is positioning its members at the heart of global innovation, ensuring they have direct access to the networks, resources, and opportunities needed to excel in this rapidly growing sector. The successful signing of this MOU demonstrates the growing credibility of NUGS-China’s initiatives and its ability to forge high-level partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for its members.
