A new innovation hub, the Princeton–African School of Economics Research (PASER) Hub, has launched in Homa Bay, Kenya, aiming to bridge the critical skills gap by connecting local challenges with global academic expertise. This initiative, backed by Princeton University, seeks to directly empower communities through data-driven research and practical problem-solving.

• The hub is a public-private partnership between the African School of Economics (ASE), Tom Mboya University (TMU), the Ndhiwa Municipality, and DHA East Africa Ltd.
• Professor Leonard Wantchekon of Princeton University stated the hub will move beyond aid to self-reliant development by empowering communities to build evidence-based solutions.
• The project aims to integrate education, environment, and economic planning, addressing all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling the skills gap in Africa, where over 60% of young people lack foundational digital and analytical skills.