Pan-African network, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, drives digital transformation on the continent through research, education, and entrepreneurship
By Celestine Okorie, Bureau Chief, Southern Africa
Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced today that the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed its ninth university partner, Universidade Agostinho Neto. The network, launched in 2022, provides a vehicle for technology-focused universities in Africa to engage in deep collaboration to drive 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 (Rwanda), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco), the American University in Cairo (Egypt), Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal), University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and now Universidade Agostinho Neto (Angola).
“We are proud to welcome Agostinho Neto University into the Afretec Network,” said director of CMU-Africa and associate dean for international affairs-Africa Conrad Tucker. “As a network, we are focused on pan-African digital growth, which means that it is crucial that we collaborate across different languages and cultures on the continent.”
The Afretec 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
Located in the capital city of Luanda, Agostinho Neto University is Angola’s oldest and largest public higher education institution. The university has a commitment to modernization, academic excellence, and the sustainable development of Angola and Africa. The Portuguese-speaking country of Angola has a young population and a strong demand for engineering, IT, and technology-driven programs. The university has already begun to collaborate with the network and will join partner universities in engaging with stakeholders across the continent to work toward the shared mission of the digital transformation of Africa.
About the African Engineering and Technology Network: The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) is a pan-African network made up of technology-focused universities across the continent, who are working together to drive the digital transformation of Africa. The network is led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa
