The Inter-University Council for East Africa has launched a regional network to strengthen artificial intelligence capacity across universities in East Africa, in collaboration with the East African Science and Technology Commission and German development agency GIZ.
The Regional Network on Artificial Intelligence in Education and Research was unveiled March 30 during the fourth East African Community Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference at the Kigali Convention Centre. The program is being implemented under the EAC AI Alliance project.
As part of the launch, organizers issued a call for nodes, inviting universities and research institutions across the region to join the network. The initiative aims to foster collaboration, advance AI research and integrate AI into higher education systems within EAC member states.
The network is expected to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, joint research and capacity building, positioning universities to play a more active role in the development and application of AI technologies across the region.
Speaking at the launch were EASTECO Executive Secretary Sylvance Okoth, IUCEA Acting Executive Secretary Idris A. Rai and David Roos, head of program for GIZ Tanzania and the East African Community, all of whom emphasized the importance of coordinated regional efforts in advancing AI-driven innovation.
