Afretec Network signs eighth university partner

Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced today that the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed its eighth university partner, Al Akhawayn University. The network, launched in 2022, provides a vehicle for technology-focused universities in Africa to engage in deep collaboration to drive inclusive digital growth, create technology development and job growth, and shape policy change.

Afretec Network members span the entire continent and include Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the American University in Cairo, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, University of Lagos, University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand, and now, Al Akhawayn University.

“Welcoming an eighth university partner into the Afretec Network is an important milestone. We have been slow and intentional about our growth in order to build a strong foundation for the transformative impact that our members will make on the continent,” says Conrad Tucker, director of CMU-Africa and associate dean for international affairs-Africa. “The power of the Afretec Network comes from each individual partner and the collective group. In order to drive technology advancements across the continent, we need both local knowledge capacity and Africa-wide collaboration.”

The network is focused on goals in three areas:

• Producing critical, locally relevant innovations, and globally competitive technology talent
• Developing a digital knowledge creation ecosystem
• Fostering a startup technology culture and ecosystem across Africa

Over the past two years, Afretec has made significant progress in its goals. The network has developed teaching and learning methodologies to prepare African engineering students with the skills and capabilities required for digital transformation. Afretec members are providing access to quality technical education through online programs and supporting high-performing students through graduate readiness programs. Afretec has awarded almost $5 million USD to research through a combination of one-year seed grants and three-year full grants. The network has also created over 150 internships and job opportunities for technology students and alumni from its member universities, fostering innovation, growth, and competitiveness in African small and medium-sized enterprises while encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

Amine Bensaid, president of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, says about the new partnership, “We are eager to embrace the opportunities this partnership brings, to work together with our new partners in Afretec, and to contribute to this unique network. Our focus has always been on empowering our faculty who lead our students to innovate and to seek impact. Working with Afretec will enhance our ability to provide both faculty and students with the resources and opportunities necessary to make a real difference in the world of technology and create long-lasting benefits for our communities and for our continent.”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.