Origin Research and Innovation Labs and Intel Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop artificial intelligence (AI) skills and innovation across Africa.
The initiative aims to provide educators and students at academic institutions with technology capabilities while supporting an inclusive AI ecosystem on the continent. This comes as the region faces a growing AI skills deficit.
Africa currently accounts for just 3% of global AI talent, despite having the world’s fastest-growing youth population, according to UNESCO.
Under the MoU, Origin Labs and Intel will collaborate on faculty enablement, curriculum integration and mentorship.
They intend to scale training through a partnership with the Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa, which comprises 50 universities representing approximately 30,000 staff and over one million students.
Developing AI capability at scale requires collaboration across industry, education and innovation ecosystems, Susan Mbogo said, country manager for East Africa at Intel Corporation.
“Through our partnership with Origin Labs, we are creating a locally based platform to help equip African talent with the skills, tools and opportunities needed to participate in the global digital economy,” Mbogo said.
A focus of the collaboration is ensuring knowledge is transferred into innovation hubs and start-ups that address local challenges in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
These solutions can then be scaled across regions facing similar challenges.
The agreement supports Intel’s AI for Future Workforce programme, which forms part of its Digital Readiness portfolio. It focuses on equipping learners in technical and professional institutions with skills for the digital economy.
The collaboration reflects a shared goal of empowering Africa’s emerging talent and focusing on African solutions, says Professor Ndirangu Kioni, lead and focal point at Origin Labs.
“Together, we can build on our insight and expertise and support pathways into AI-driven careers and innovation on the continent,” Kioni said.
To date, the collaboration has supported 30 universities in Kenya, helping 65 faculty members deliver AI content.
In addition, 15 lead facilitators have been trained, including 25 technical and vocational education and training tutors. Intel has also supported several OriginFest Hackathons involving 405 students.
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