The University of Pretoria (UP) has been ranked the top institution in South Africa for artificial intelligence research, according to the latest EduRank analysis. The ranking, based on more than 61,200 academic papers and 969,000 citations from 24 South African universities, places UP first in the country, second in Africa, and 532nd globally for AI research output and impact.
The achievement reflects UP’s growing influence in AI scholarship and its long-term investment in research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation with societal benefit.
“This ranking confirms UP’s role as a leader in developing AI technologies that are impactful, ethical and relevant,” said Professor Sunil Maharaj, UP vice-principal for research, innovation and postgraduate education. “Our researchers are helping shape the future of this field in Africa and beyond.”
UP’s AI capacity has been bolstered by new funding for Professor Vukosi Marivate, who holds the ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science in the Department of Computer Science. The international investment will support African-led AI research in healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience and language technology, with a strong focus on ethics and inclusion.
Marivate’s work centers on AI systems tailored for African contexts, such as tools that can process underrepresented languages and deliver locally relevant data insights. The funding will also enable postgraduate training and collaborative projects to build the next generation of African AI researchers.
“We are committed to ensuring that AI solutions emerging from Africa are shaped by African priorities,” Marivate said. “This support allows us to grow the capacity of local researchers and build tools that have direct, meaningful impact on communities.”
UP’s AI projects often involve partnerships with industry, collaboration across faculties, and engagement with policymakers to ensure broad societal benefit.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen said the combination of the new ranking and research funding underscores the university’s mission. “We aim to be a thought leader in areas that matter most to society,” he said. “Our AI research is a flagship example of how UP can deliver solutions that are globally competitive and deeply relevant to Africa’s development.”
With its No. 1 national ranking and expanded research capacity, UP is positioned to drive ethical, inclusive, and transformative AI innovation while ensuring Africa’s perspective is represented in the global AI arena.
