The University of Pretoria (UP) has announced a major milestone for African artificial intelligence research. Google has donated $1 million (approximately R18 million) to support the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI).
What is AfriDSAI?
The African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at UP serves as a hub for world-class research. It offers training and fosters innovation. Its mission is to harness the power of AI and data science to tackle Africa’s unique challenges. It also aims to contribute to global knowledge in emerging technologies.
AfriDSAI aims to position Africa not only as AI innovation beneficiary but as well as global contributor. It brings together researchers from different spectrum to deal with wide range challenges using AI in African background.
The institute, led by Professor Vukosi Marivate, focuses on driving cutting-edge research and innovation in data science and AI, with a strong emphasis on ethical and inclusive solutions for African challenges.
Catalytic funding for AI in Africa
This landmark funding will be distributed into several strategic areas aimed at shaping Africa’s AI future:
Supporting talent development
The donation will fund MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral fellowships. This will allow the next generation of African AI researchers to gain advanced skills.
Advancing Ethical & Inclusive AI
Research will prioritise AI systems that are socially responsible, transparent, and fair, ensuring technology benefits communities across the continent.
Driving impactful research
Projects will span healthcare, agriculture, natural language processing (NLP), and climate resilience, focusing on solving Africa-specific problems.
Strengthening Pan-African collaboration
The initiative will foster partnerships between African universities, research institutions, and international stakeholders to grow a continental AI research network.
A Vision for African AI Leadership
Professor Marivate expressed his enthusiasm about the donation’s potential to transform the continent’s research capabilities.
“This gift enhances our ability to conduct high-impact, socially responsive research and grow a new generation of African AI leaders,” said Prof Marivate. Prof Marivate further highlighted that the donation “It strengthen our mission to build suitable AI research communities across Africa and ensure that AI technologies developed here are shaped by local knowledge and values. As Africa currently contributes only 0.9% of global AI research output, this kind of investment is vital in changing that narrative.”
The Vice-Chancellor and principal of UP commended the donation by Google. He expressed that “This generous support from Google aligns with our strategy to advance with impact. It reinforces Africa’s position in the global AI ecosystem. AfriDSAI is a flagship example of how we aim to drive innovation with real-world impact.”
The partnership underscores the importance of investing in Africa’s digital future. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly shaping industries and economies worldwide.
Read more here: https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_3337426-university-of-pretoria-receives-1-million-google-donation-to-boost-african-led-ai-research
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