Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is broadening the scope of its Upanzi Network, a digital public infrastructure initiative designed to foster secure and resilient digital transformation across the African continent. The network, which brings together engineering research laboratories, aims to create innovative technologies tailored to the distinct needs and cultures of Africa's diverse regions.

Since its launch in 2021 with a research lab in Kigali, Rwanda, the Upanzi Network has made significant progress in areas such as digital identity, payments, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data governance, and artificial intelligence. Now, CMU-Africa is extending its reach by partnering with top universities, including Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, the University of Botswana, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, with plans to bring more institutions on board.

“The uniqueness of Africa demands localized solutions,” said Conrad Tucker, Director of CMU-Africa. “There are no one-size-fits-all technologies; they need to be developed with local context and culture in mind.” Each university partner has received a one-year seed grant to fund research projects aligned with the Upanzi Network’s mission.

Key focus areas of the network include:

• Public Service Innovation: Al Akhawayn University will establish a lab within its School of Science and Engineering to focus on digital governance. The lab will work on enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity of public services through digital transformation.

• Agribusiness Solutions: At the University of Botswana, researchers will leverage Internet of Things (IoT) technology to address pressing farm management issues, including animal health, security, and water management. The university will also host workshops to equip young people with skills to tackle challenges in the agribusiness sector.

• Educational Advancements: The University of the Witwatersrand will develop multilingual learning tools through its Games, AI, and Culture labs. The aim is to overcome educational barriers and promote digital transformation in education.

The expanded collaboration will officially begin with a symposium focused on digital identity and cybersecurity in Africa, an area of growing importance in the continent’s digital transformation agenda.

The Upanzi Network aligns with CMU-Africa’s vision of establishing robust digital infrastructure to support Africa’s technological and economic growth. By fostering regional partnerships and empowering young researchers, CMU-Africa aims to position the continent as a hub for innovation while addressing its unique challenges and opportunities.

With this expansion, CMU-Africa continues its leadership in driving Africa’s digital transformation, shaping the next generation of tech leaders, and promoting collaborative innovation across the continent.

 

Article by RB Correspodent

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https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2024/11/20-upanzi-expansion.html