Afretec - Wits University

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Afretec is a pan-African network of engineering and technology-focused universities that drives Inclusive Digital Transformation in Africa.

Afretec seeks to develop inclusive technology leaders who will lead the projects, start the companies, and provide the capacity in both the private and public sectors to drive inclusive digital transformation and the creation of thousands of dignified jobs.

We focus on the rapidly developing information and communication technologies (ICT) which support advances in education, agriculture, health, government, and more (edtech, agtech, mhealth, egovernment, etc.) and enable inclusive digital transformation throughout African economies and societies.

In line with the goals of Afretec the network consists of 4 pillars:

Knowledge Creation

To build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable pan-African ICT knowledge creation ecosystem. There are 3 clusters in this pillar: Health, Energy, Sustainability and Environment.

Teaching and Learning

To create excellence in learning and teaching to develop a workforce that advances inclusive digital transformation in Africa.

Build Entrepreneurship

To build a pan-African entrepreneurship and innovation culture and ecosystem across the Afretec partners.

Inclusion and Diversity

To be intentional about embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in all processes and activities.

Funding Opportunities

Through the Mastercard Foundation, Afretec provides funding for the following:

Base Funding: $ 300,000 annually for administration, bridge programs, faculty enrichment programs workshops, and certification. The annual call for proposals is usually in October.

Pillar Funding for activities created by the 4 pillars. Calls for proposals are sent out throughout the year.

Inclusive Digital Transformation Research grants for collaborative research by at least two partner universities for a total of $ 300,000 over 3 years. Calls for proposals are sent out annually in November/December.

Infrastructure grants of $ 500 000 per annum. Allocation of these funds is decided by the network coordinators committee.

CURRENT GRANTS

SEED Grants Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in support of the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) is launching a call for collaborative seed research proposals to build research capacity in the fields of engineering and technology to accelerate and support the inclusive digital transformation of Africa. This initiative is aligned to the Afretec goal to drive inclusive digital growth on the African continent. The seed grants will support research related to digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (Al), machine learning, information and communication technology, cyber security and so on. A special focus will be placed on research with the potential for impact in Africa in the Afretec knowledge creation clusters areas of:

Health
Environment and Sustainability
Energy

Start Date: June 1, 2024

Award Period: up to 12 months

Disciplines: Multi-institution collaborative Engineering and Technology research projects related to the inclusive digital transformation of Africa.

Maximum Award: $50,000

Estimated Awards: It is expected that a total of 11 grants; up to 3 grants will be awarded per research cluster and up to 3 in other research areas depending on the quality of submissions and availability of funds.

Submission Deadline: Extended to Friday, February 9, 2024 at 17:00 Central African Time

Submission Procedure: https://cmu.infoready4.com/#viewApplicationForm/1925152

Click here for more information.

AFRETEC Inclusive Digital Transformation Research Grants

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) in support of Afretec is launching a call for collaborative proposals to build research capacity in the fields of engineering and technology to accelerate and support the inclusive digital transformation of Africa. The research grants will support research related to digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (Al), machine learning, information and communication technology, robotics, cyber security, and so on. This initiative is aligned with the Afretec goal to drive inclusive digital growth on the African continent.

Start Date: June 1, 2024

Award Period: up to 36 months

Disciplines: Multi-institution collaborative Engineering and Technology research projects related to the inclusive digital transformation of Africa

Maximum Award: $250,000

Estimated Awards: It is expected that up to 4 grants will be awarded depending on the quality of submissions and availability of funds.