Research
From Grassroots to Global Stage: African Scholars Map the Future of AI
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 5th Biennial Conference is underway at Makerere University, and Day 2 has kicked off with a keynote address from Prof. Vukosi Marivate. The keynote speaker and ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria delivered his address under the theme “Research, Innovation & Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation: The Power of the Grassroots”.
Prof. Marivate reminded the audience that Africa’s AI journey is growing from the ground up, powered not by huge institutions but by determined communities and university-based innovators who refuse to wait for permission to build. He spoke passionately about initiatives like Masakhane and the Deep Learning Indaba, which have transformed African language research and expanded technical capacity across the continent. Rather than chasing prestige journals alone, he emphasized work that actually serves African people: building language models, releasing open-source tools, nurturing talent and keeping researchers rooted on the continent. In his words, the future of African AI will be shaped by local builders who choose their own path, invest in research, and create technology guided by real community needs, not external validation.
The keynote address was followed by a round discussion moderated by Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and speakers emphasized that Africa’s AI future will be built through deep, intentional collaboration. The discussion was centered on a theme: Collaboration of Networks (Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa). They noted that the question is no longer whether AI will reshape society; it already is. The real task now is ensuring Africa shapes AI in a way that advances prosperity, equity and shared opportunity. Panelists highlighted that isolated excellence will not deliver transformation. Instead, the continent needs networks that pool expertise, resources and vision across universities, sectors and borders.
Prof. Sharon Fonn of the CARTA Consortium stressed the value of co-created knowledge systems and shared investment in research platforms. She showcased CARTA’s AI-driven research visibility tool, which is already helping African scholars connect findings to policy and practice. Prof. Anthony Egeru of RUFORUM grounded the conversation in agriculture, reminding delegates that AI must reach the acre, not just the algorithm. He emphasized practical innovation that improves smallholder farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, especially through youth-led agritech ventures. From PASGR, Mr. Jim Kaketch underscored that social scientists must not be an afterthought in AI governance, urging frameworks that safeguard ethics, accountability and citizen inclusion.
Dr. Rachid Serraj from Mohammed VI Polytechnic highlighted the power of industry-university partnerships and hands-on innovation models that prepare young Africans to build, not just consume, AI tools. Prof. Akinyemi added that African universities must rethink promotion and reward systems to recognize innovation, impact and cross-disciplinary work. The panel’s shared message was simple but powerful: Africa has talent, vision and momentum. What is needed now is aligned investment, harmonized policies and a commitment to build AI ecosystems that reflect African priorities and enable African creators to lead from the front.
The keynote address and roundtable discussion were followed by the the Fourth Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Adama Ibrahim, Vice-Chair of the Science for Africa Foundation, and a Special Panel of the O.R. Tambo Research Chairs Initiative chaired by Makerere University‘s Dr. Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende. The session tackled themes such as: Application of AI in Research and Innovation in African Universities; Building AI Capacity and Talents in African Higher Education Institutions; Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa; Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation; and AI and Creative Economies.
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Research
Makerere University Launches Knowledge-Sharing Platform to Drive Innovation and Economic Growth
Makerere University has launched a knowledge-sharing platform designed to bridge research, education, and community outreach, with the aim of accelerating innovation and economic development in Uganda.
The platform is the outcome of a project led by Prof. Edward Bbaale, which examined how universities can translate research, innovations, and institutional capabilities into tangible impact for communities, businesses, and national economic growth, in line with the government’s tenfold growth agenda. The project was funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
The study also explored how university-based research and innovation can be better aligned with Uganda’s development priorities in agriculture, tourism, mineral-based industrialization, and science and technology, as outlined in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
Speaking at the launch, the First Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, said the platform would strengthen the link between academic research and societal transformation. She also noted that knowledge production and utilization is a political matter and urged researchers to meaningfully engage and participate in such converstaions.
Dr. Stephen Wandera, representing the Chairperson of the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee, described the platform as timely and relevant, noting that it comes at a period when Makerere University is positioning itself as a research-led institution with measurable impact on communities and systems.
“The knowledge-sharing platform will enable researchers to disseminate their work to relevant audiences,” Dr. Wandera said. He added that dissemination workshops are among several avenues available for sharing research findings and urged the project team to explore additional channels, including policy briefs, academic publications, and online dialogue platforms.
The Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala, said the dissemination workshop reflects Makerere University’s long-standing commitment to generating knowledge that responds to national priorities, advances innovation, and contributes to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
He added that the Directorate supports initiatives that move research beyond academic boundaries into practical application, policy influence, enterprise development, and community impact.
Dr. Peter Babyenda, the project’s Co-Principal Investigator, said the initiative combined research, outreach, and capacity-building activities, drawing lessons from global models where universities play a direct role in community development by supporting agriculture, industry, and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Ibrahim Michael Okumu, observed that while Uganda’s universities have produced substantial research, its translation into practical outcomes has remained slow. He cautioned that Makerere University’s relevance will ultimately be measured by the extent to which its work contributes to national development.
Dr. Babyenda noted that the platform will support the development of sustainable research, education, and outreach systems, helping to bridge the gap between university research and real-world application.
“As we launch this platform, I encourage academics, students, industry players, policymakers, and communities to actively engage with it,” Prof. Wamala said. “Let it serve as a living space for dialogue, learning, co-creation, and innovation.”
The knowledge-sharing platform is accessible to the public at www.dissemination.ug. Its launch took place at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala and was attended by officials from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Busitema University, and Soroti University.
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