Our work focuses on three interconnected pillars:
Innovative Research: We develop an Africa-centric Data Science and AI research agenda, exploring methods and technologies that are responsive to the continent’s needs and contexts. This includes natural language processing for African languages, computer vision tailored to African environments, and ethical, locally relevant AI governance.
Capacity Building: We build the skills and leadership of a new generation of African data scientists and AI researchers. Through training, mentorship, and transdisciplinary collaboration, we support researchers at all career stages to contribute to both continental and global innovation in AI and data science.
Ecosystem Development: We work to establish a strong, collaborative AI and data science ecosystem across Africa. By connecting universities, companies, government partners, and community networks, we ensure that research insights are translated into real-world applications and lead to long-term systemic change.
Our research is centred on addressing the underrepresentation of Africa in AI and data science, particularly in language, vision, and application domains. Our specific areas of focus include:
| AI and Data Science Research: We develop both fundamental and applied research that reflects African realities and priorities. Projects include multilingual natural language processing, vision systems designed for local infrastructure and datasets, and AI methods that prioritize transparency, ethics, and access. | Education and Training: We provide opportunities for African students, researchers, and practitioners to acquire the skills and experience necessary to excel in the field. From postgraduate fellowships to community-driven learning, we are building a diverse pipeline of African AI talent. | Sectoral Transformation: We investigate how AI and data science can drive progress in key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, and education. Our work generates practical, evidence-based solutions that contribute to sustainable development. |
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