The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, has announced the allocation of $2.3 million in research grants to support collaborative projects across the continent. These grants aim to foster innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, information technology, and cybersecurity, with a focus on addressing critical challenges in health, environment, sustainability, and energy sectors.
Since its inception in 2022, Afretec has awarded nearly $7.43 million in research funding, underscoring its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and capacity building in Africa. The recent funding round supports multi-institutional teams from universities including the University of Lagos, University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand, and The American University in Cairo.
Highlighted Projects Receiving Full Grants
- AI-Driven Solutions for Environmental Health: Led by Dr. Rose Alani from the University of Lagos, this project aims to deploy high-frequency air pollution sensors and AI analytics to monitor and mitigate health impacts in urban areas such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Dakar.
- Inclusive Education Through Digitalization: Dr. Reuben Dlamini of the University of the Witwatersrand is spearheading a study to examine how digital tools can enhance teacher well-being and retention in Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Africa.
- Enhancing Financial Inclusion for the Visually Impaired: A team from the University of Rwanda and Carnegie Mellon University Africa is developing an AI-powered voice interface to improve accessibility to mobile money services for visually impaired users in Rwanda.
- Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Dr. Oluwagbenga Olanrewaju Olude from the University of Lagos is leading an initiative to integrate IoT and AI technologies in catfish farming to promote sustainable practices and improve productivity.
- Ethical Autonomous Vehicles: The American University in Cairo is conducting research on developing ethical frameworks for autonomous vehicles, focusing on trust and accountability in AI systems.
In addition to full grants, Afretec has awarded seed grants of up to $50,000 to projects exploring AI skills gaps in the construction industry and privacy concerns in mobile money usage across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Afretec continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Africa’s digital transformation by fostering collaborative research and innovation. The network’s initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to create scalable, inclusive solutions to pressing challenges across the continent.
For more information on Afretec’s initiatives and funding opportunities, visit the website.
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