The Africa Universities Summit, currently taking place in Kigali, has brought together over 300 university leaders from across the continent. The summit aims to explore how higher education institutions can contribute to Africa’s sustainable development by leveraging technology, research, and innovation.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Nsengimana, the Minister of Education, emphasized the need for universities to play a key role in research that addresses Africa’s pressing challenges. He highlighted that African higher education institutions must move beyond traditional learning to become centers of innovation and solutions.
Several speakers stressed the importance of research and collaboration among African universities to drive development.
Harnessing Agriculture and Natural Resources
Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, emphasized that agriculture must be transformed through research and technology. She urged students in Agribusiness and Food Sciences to engage in practical studies and innovation that improve Africa’s agricultural output. She also called for strengthening faculties that focus on agricultural sciences and food technology to enhance food security.
Similarly, Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Chancellor of the University of Botswana, highlighted the importance of sustainable resource management. She pointed out that many African universities have faculties specializing in energy and water resources, which are crucial for economic growth. She stressed the need to invest in research and innovation to maximize the continent’s natural wealth.
Technology and Climate Resilience
Technology was another key theme of the discussions. Hanene Boussi, Vice President of the University of Tunis El Manar, explained how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in some institutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. AI helps in predicting and preventing disasters by analyzing climate patterns and storing critical environmental data.
The summit is being held under the theme: “United Leadership: Harnessing African Education for Sustainable Growth.”
With many African universities offering programs in tourism, environmental sciences, and biodiversity conservation, experts at the summit urged them to embrace technology and contribute to solutions that drive Africa’s progress.*
Marie Chantal Nyirabera
