Google donates $1 million to the University of Pretoria to help AI research

The University of Pretoria has been awarded a generous $1 million (approximately R17.7 million) by Google to foster advancements at the African Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI). This substantial contribution aims to promote impactful, socially-conscious research and cultivate future generations of African data scientists and AI experts. Professor Vukosi Marivate, leading AfriDSAI and holding the ABSA Chair of Data Science, highlighted the donation’s importance in enhancing the continent’s AI research presence. Currently, Africa accounts for merely 0.9% of the global AI research, making such investments crucial for altering this narrative. The donation aims to enable Africa to become a vital player in AI research, utilizing local knowledge and values in shaping AI technology.

Professor Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, emphasized the University’s commitment to knowledge generation that is pertinent and inclusive, with a focus on providing innovative solutions to societal challenges. He affirmed that AfriDSAI seeks to establish Africa not merely as a beneficiary but also as a significant contributor to the AI landscape globally. Petersen elaborated that the funding would support transdisciplinary research and innovation, facilitating a more significant impact in addressing societal issues across the continent. This partnership with Google aligns with the university’s strategy to advance impactful research and bolster Africa’s position within the global AI ecosystem, demonstrating how AfriDSAI stands as a flagship of driving innovative solutions with real-world implications.