To enhance research collaboration among African universities, the University of Rwanda (UR), through the African Engineering and Technology Network (AFRETEC), hosted a two-day inter-university workshop focused on promoting inclusive digital transformation through joint research efforts. The event, which brought together public and private universities from across the continent, started on March 10 at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (UR-CST). ALSO READ: FEATURED: Shaping Africa’s digital future: Afretec Network champions collaboration for inclusive growth The first day discussions centred on addressing the existing gaps in research output and establishing sustainable mechanisms for intra- and inter-university collaboration, while developing solutions that directly align with African challenges. During the opening session, Professor Damien Hanyurwimfura, Acting Director of the African Centre of Excellence in the Internet of Things (ACE-IoT) and UR Knowledge Creation Pillar Lead for AFRETEC, noted that the workshop aims to create a platform where universities can collectively explore ways to advance research. “We hope that after the workshop, we will be able to come up with ways to promote inclusive research, engage more women in STEM, and strengthen collaboration among AFRETEC network universities. And we want everyone to participate,” he noted. ALSO READ: FEATURED: Afretec project at UR empowers close to 400 graduates with emerging technology skills As a founding member of AFRETEC, UR-CST organised the workshop to facilitate knowledge sharing, foster interdisciplinary research partnerships, and strengthen collaboration between institutions. Dr Pierre Bakunzibake, AFRETEC Project Lead at the University of Rwanda, underscored that there is more to be done in increasing research output and collaboration among local and AFRETEC member universities. “At the end of this workshop, the message should be taking key actions. With the project of AFRETEC, which has the pillar of knowledge creation, I expect to have some research output after we have explored the ways of collaborating in a better manner,” he added. Bakunzibake noted that there is little collaboration and joint research among African universities, emphasising that effort should be made to boost collaboration. Bakunzibake said that beyond AFRETEC’s annual conference, there was a need for a dedicated research-focused gathering to drive more tangible outcomes. He urged participants to take on ambassadorial roles for their institutions and work towards fostering long-term research collaborations. “You are ambassadors for your institutions, so at the end of this workshop, I hope that we will have fruitful actions that can lead to fostering research collaborations,” he noted. AFRETEC aims to drive inclusive digital growth through higher education and the power of collaboration. It unites leading technology-focused universities to work on building capacity in engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship AFRETEC focuses on four thematic pillars that include: teaching and learning excellence, knowledge creation, career pathways, and inclusivity. The workshop brought together representatives from the National Council for Science and Technology(NCST) and several universities, including the University of Rwanda, INES-Ruhengeri, University of Arts and Technology of Byumba, University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, University of Lagos in Nigeria, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar in Senegal, and the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Objectives of the workshops include strengthening collaboration among AFRETEC universities and private universities in Rwanda, promoting inclusive digital transformation among African universities, networking among African universities, and promoting joint research collaboration among African universities. Professor Damaris Mbui, Head of Industrial and Physical Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, highlighted the critical role of funding in ensuring smooth research collaborations. She pointed out that increased financial support would facilitate student and faculty exchanges, allowing for more hands-on learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Mbui also emphasised the importance of shifting the mind-set of African universities, which often prioritise collaborations with Western institutions rather than strengthening partnerships within the continent. “What happens is that sometimes you get solutions that come from the West, but they’re not necessarily answers to our problems or our challenges,” she noted. “So, I think when we collaborate as African institutions, I think we are born to come up with more tangible solutions and solutions that are going to be the answer to our problems. Maybe they have a bit more funding, but I think the solution comes from being together as African states.” On lower numbers of women in technology and research fields, Mbui underscored that there is a need to approach, educate, and interest young women to join STEM and research at an early age. The need for leveraging emerging technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop solutions that cater to Africa’s unique challenges was also discussed, with an emphasis on ensuring that digital transformation efforts are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. Babacar Mbaye Ndiaye from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar mentioned the importance of African-led solutions. He stressed that joint research efforts should focus on addressing pressing issues affecting communities across the continent. “Collaboration among African universities is crucial. Our realities in Africa are different from those in Europe, Asia, or the USA. We need to work together to find solutions tailored to the specific needs of our people, particularly those in low-income and rural areas,” he said. The first day of the workshop featured research presentations from different universities, allowing participants to showcase their ongoing projects and share expertise. The event also included a panel discussion on best practices and challenges for inter-university collaboration, a visit to UR’s UniPod, a centre dedicated to research, innovation, and prototyping, and a networking session for knowledge sharing and workshop reflection.
