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.
Afretec commits to enhancing collaborations for research advancement
The New Times
The African Engineering and Technology Network pledged to foster enhanced collaborations between universities and increase research levels across Africa during a workshop. Afretec, a ten-year project with six current university members, aims to drive inclusive digital growth through higher education and collaboration. The recent workshop, hosted by the University of Rwanda, emphasized the importance of collaborating across disciplines and beyond regional borders. Speakers highlighted the need to involve policymakers in discussions on research and innovation, as well as the importance of addressing societal challenges through impactful actions.
March
Afretec gender in STEM workshop
University of the Witwatersrand
The Afretec Gender in STEM workshop took place from February 19-24, 2024. Hosted by the University of Rwanda and CMU-Africa, 10 students from Wits University attended the session and learned about common issues for women in the technology sector and academia as well as how to solve these problems.
Afretec supports 400 trainees at skill-building workshop
The New Times
Roughly 400 trainees gathered for a workshop at the University of Rwanda to build their emerging technology skills. The Afretec member institution offered activities focused on topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and embedded systems and programming.
February
CMU-Africa works with Afretec to promote gender inclusivity in STEM
The New Times
CMU-Africa works with the other members of Afretec, a network of six universities based in Africa, to promote gender inclusivity in STEM. Afretec recently opened a three-day workshop focusing on common barriers to female representation in STEM, emphasizing that women play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of STEM fields. CMU-Africa’s associate director, Nancy Biwott, explains to The New Times that, regardless of science or art, each person should be allowed to pursue their passion. “Whether you are a female or a male, every interest is valid,” Biwott says.
Afretec brings workshop to University of Rwanda
The New Times
Academic staff at the University of Rwanda attended an Afretec-sponsored workshop on January 26 that focused on optimal teaching and learning methodologies for engineering and technology education.
2023
December
Afretec member Wits University sweeps Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Intervarsity finals
University of the Witwatersrand
Afretec member Wits University sweeps Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity finals, which were held from November 30 to December 1, 2023. The school recorded three achievements, and Wits student Asif Aziz took home R20 000 for winning the Tech category with his platform Libex. Medical student Lethabo Maphopha also represented Wits with his company BroughtCargo, an ecommerce platform that bridges the supply chain gap for smaller businesses and helps them compete more effectively in the marketplace. Finally, Wits also received the DVC of the Year award for their exceptional efforts in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.