2025
March
Afretec brings together institutions to discuss gender equality in STEM
University of the Witwatersrand
Afretec’s Inclusion Group hosted eight member institutions in Johannesburg in February at a summit on gender equality in STEM academics. They aimed to develop plans to support better gender parity in the sciences. They also listened to a number of talks and engaged in many discussions, such as about initiatives increasing the number of girls pursuing STEM subjects in school and from participants discussing challenges that they have faced and how they have overcome them.
Afretec researchers share progress on AI and renewable energy research
University of Lagos
CMU-Africa's Sarath Tennakoon and University of Nairobi's Siphila Wanjiku Mumenya visited the University of Lagos to share progress on Afretec research that investigates using AI to extract carbon from landfill waste in Africa for renewable energy.
Afretec presents research on AI and renewable energy
University of Lagos
Afretec members presented their ongoing research, titled "Application of AI Techniques for Extracting Carbon from Landfill Waste for Renewable Energy," at a World Recycling Day event at the Olusosun Landfill in Ojota, Lagos.
University of Rwanda hosts workshop
The New Times
The University of Rwanda, through the Afretec Network, hosted a two-day inter-university workshop focused on promoting inclusive digital transformation through joint research efforts.
The Afretec Network celebrates its Inclusion Champion Awards
Congratulations to the 2025 winners of the Afretec Network Inclusion Champion Awards:
- Olayinia Adewunmi, University of Lagos
- Eunice Nyamupangedengu, University of the Witwatersrand
- CMU-Africa's Women in Tech Club, represented by Delphine Nyaboke
- Batamuliza Jennifer, University of Rwanda
- Aminata Fall Niang, Université Cheikh Anta Diop
February
Faculty Enrichment Workshop Held at AUC
University of the Witwatersrand
The workshop took place from January 27- 28, 2025 at the American University of Cairo (AUC) in Cairo, Egypt, and focused on curriculum transformation and pedagogical strategies.
January
The Afretec Network annual conference featured in the New Times
The New Times
The Afretec Network annual conference took place in Kigali on January 20-21, bringing together university leaders, organizations, and technology innovators from across the continent to explore the theme "Inclusive Digital Growth through Collaboration".
The event, attended by key figures, including Rwanda's Minister of Education, provided a platform to deepen partnerships, share successful case studies, and develop actionable strategies aimed at ensuring digital advancements benefit all segments of society, especially marginalized communities.
2024
December
Afretec collaborates with the Wits Innovation Centre for workshop
University of the Witwatersrand
The African Engineering and Technology Network partnered with the Wits Innovation Centre for a workshop to increase collaboration between academia and industry in Africa. The workshop focused on outlining practical steps to foster collaboration such as establishing legal frameworks.
The University of Nairobi hosts DEI workshop
University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi hosted a two-day Afretec workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity on November 26 and 27, 2024. The two days were full of exchange of ideas, knowledge and African universities urging each other to do better, go as far back as they can to challenge communities and students in lower primary and secondary education to go after education and aim high because, education is for everyone.
November
Wits holds workshop on sustainable development and the digital transformation
University of the Witwatersrand
Wits University recently hosted an innovative workshop titled "Design Science in the Age of AI: Sustainable Development and the Digital Transformation," in October.
More than 50 participants from across Africa attended the opening of the workshop, which was sponsored by the African Engineering and Technology Network, the SA-CERN program, and the AI4PEP program of the Canadian IDRC, and endorsed by the US National Academy of Engineering.
September
Afretec hosts workshop on using technology for disability inclusion in education
University of the Witwatersbrand, Johannesburg
Afretec partnered with the University of the Witwatersbrand, Johannesburg to host a workshop focusing on inclusive education for those with disabilities. Speakers at the workshop discussed the possibilities of AI playing a part in experiential learning for students.
University of Nairobi hosts grant writing workshop for Afretec partners
University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi hosted Afretec partners from September 9–10 to improve faculty members’ abilities to write grant proposals. The first day, they focused on practicalities when it comes to applying for grants, such as budgeting, staffing, finding grants, etc., while on the second day, they discussed technical skills necessary for a successful proposal. Over fifty faculty members were present in-person, and 20 joined virtually.
Afretec Network signs eighth university partner
CMU College of Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced that the African Engineering and Technology Network has signed its eighth university partner, Al Akhawayn University.
Al Akhawayn University was selected for its commitment to driving technological advancements in the region, its innovative approach to engineering education, and its strategic location in the heart of the Middle East and North Africa region. AUI’s focus on digital transformation and fostering a new generation of technology professionals aligns with Afretec’s mission. This is particularly demonstrated through its diverse range of programs in artificial intelligence and robotization, renewable energy systems engineering, computer systems, big data analytics, cloud and mobile software engineering, and computer science.
The Wits Entrepreneurship Workshop
Wits University
The Wits Entrepreneurship Workshop was held July 1-5, 2024, at the E-Hub of Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. About 35 participants with backgrounds in science, engineering, construction, business, and health sciences participated in the workshop. Representatives from Afretec included two from the University of Rwanda and two from the University of Nairobi, as well as several Wits faculty members.
The course included presentations, group exercises, panel discussions, and a final pitch by the teams formed at the beginning of the workshop.
Projects themes were chosen based on an exercise consisting of a marketplace session for ideas and skills — individuals proposed their innovative ideas and others chose their teams, whittling the selection from 13 presentations down to six. The winning project, IndiCare, introduced a smart heal bandage design.
July
Bridge program preps students for grad school, touches lives
Carnegie Mellon University Africa
Carnegie Mellon University Africa hosts a six-week bridge program that invites recent graduates and students in their final year of study to discover the academic and technical skills that will promote their success in graduate school and beyond, like in a business environment. CMU-Africa hosts two sessions per year, each attended by roughly 100 students from universities across Rwanda. Recently, the initiative expanded to Afretec member universities, which now hold their own sessions.
June
Afretec partnership pledges to improve Lagos air quality
The Nation
Afretec has partnered with institutions such as the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to improve the air quality data available. They emphasized their commitment to this goal at the Air Quality and Climate Webinar held in Lagos, the theme of which was access to air quality data.
Afretec awards almost $1.7 million
CMU-Africa
13 grants, collectively led by researchers from all members of Afretec, have been awarded to make a positive impact on health, environment and sustainability, and energy in Africa.
May
UNILAG researchers win Afretec seed grants
University of Lagos
Researchers from the University of Lagos have won two Inclusive Digital Transformation Seed Grants from Afretec:
- An Investigation of a Monitoring and Predicting Algorithm Model for Climate Change Related Diseases in African Urban Cities
- Application of AI Techniques for Extracting Carbon from Landfill Waste for Renewable Energy
April
Sustainable shopping app wins Afretec competition
The American University in Cairo
Three students studying finance at the American University in Cairo won an Afretec-sponsored competition that challenged over 200 participants from 14 African countries to promote sustainability using technology tools. The team, composed of juniors Salma Afifi, Jumana Elhefnawy, and Maya Abu Shahba, created an app called ScanHa, which invites shoppers to learn how sustainable an item is by scanning its barcode and offering eco-friendly alternatives.