Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane has been selected to join an exclusive pan-African network of eight universities, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa. 

Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced today that the African Engineering and Technology (Afretec) Network has signed its eighth university partner, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI), Morocco. The network, launched in 2022, provides a vehicle for technology-focused universities in Africa to engage in deep collaboration to drive inclusive digital growth, technology development and job growth, and shape policy change. Carnegie Mellon University, which leads the network, is ranked 2nd globally in Computer Science, second only to MIT, and holds the top position in Artificial Intelligence. 

 Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone, stating: 

"We are eager to embrace the opportunities this partnership brings, to work together with our new partners in Afretec, and to contribute to this unique network. Our focus has always been on empowering our faculty who lead our students to innovate and to seek impact. Working with Afretec will enhance our ability to provide both faculty and students with the resources and opportunities necessary to make a real difference in the world of technology and create long-lasting benefits for our communities and for our continent." 

 William Mutero, Carnegie Mellon University’s Director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa (CIDTA) led the Team who selected Al Akhawayn University, explained the rationale for the choice of AUI: 

“Al Akhawayn University was selected for its commitment to driving technological advancements in the region, its innovative approach to engineering education, and its strategic location in the heart of the MENA region. AUI’s focus on digital transformation and fostering a new generation of technology professionals aligns perfectly with Afretec’s mission. We were particularly impressed with diverse range of programs in Artificial Intelligence and Robotization, Renewable Energy Systems Engineering, Computer Systems, Big Data Analytics, Cloud and Mobile Software Engineering, and Computer Science.  

Afretec Network members span the entire continent and include Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the American University in Cairo, University Cheikh Anta Diop, University of Lagos, University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand, and now, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. 

“Welcoming Al Akhawayn University as the eighth university partner into the Afretec Network is an important milestone. We have been slow and intentional about our growth in order to build a strong foundation for the transformative impact our members will make on the continent”, says Conrad Tucker, Director of CMU-Africa and Associate Dean for International Affairs-Africa at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering (Pittsburg, PA). “The power of the Afretec Network comes from each individual partner and the collective group. With access to essential resources, including $3.5 million annually, our partners are well-positioned to build capacity in Teaching and Learning, Research and Knowledge Creation, Entrepreneurship, and Inclusion, while driving technology advancements through local and Africa-wide collaboration.”  

The network is focused on goals in three areas: 

• Producing critical, locally relevant innovations and globally competitive technology talent 
• Developing a digital knowledge creation ecosystem 
• Fostering a startup technology culture and ecosystem across Africa

Over the past two years, Afretec has made significant progress in its pan-African goals. The network has developed teaching and learning methodologies to prepare African engineering students with the skills and capabilities required for digital transformation in Health, Transport, Agriculture, Commerce and Education. Afretec members are providing access to quality engineering education through online programs and supporting high performing students through graduate readiness programs with 95% of alumni being employed on the continent at companies like Microsoft, IBM, Google, Safaricom, MTN and GIZ. 

Stanley Mukasa, Carnegie Mellon University-Africa’s Senior Manager for Entrepreneurship and Industry Partnerships explained how Al Akhawayn University will fit into Afretec’s entrepreneurship pillar:  

We look forward to integrating with Al Akhawayn University’s outstanding entrepreneurship results through Afretec who has awarded almost $5 million USD to startups focused on research through a combination of 1-year seed grants and 3-year full grants. Over 10 companies have been launched, creating 85 jobs in a short 4 years. In addition, CyLab Africa and the Upanzi Digital Public Goods network have been accelerated through Afretec strengthening digital identity and digital payment innovations supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  

About the African Engineering and Technology Network 

The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) is a pan-African network made up of technology-focused universities across the continent, who will work together to drive the digital transformation of Africa. The network is led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Learn more by visiting www.afretec.org.  

About Al Akhawayn University 

Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) is a leading liberal arts institution founded in 1995. Offering American-style education, AUI emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives, interdisciplinary learning.  AUI is accredited by the New England Commission for Higher Education (NECHE).  With programs across Business Administration, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Science and Engineering, AUI prepares students for leadership in a dynamic world, career success and the pursuit of fulfilled lives.  

For more information, visit www.aui.ma. 

About the College of Engineering and CMU-Africa

The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is a top-ranked engineering college that is known for our Advanced Collaboration culture in research and education. The College is well known for working on problems of both scientific and practical importance. Our “maker” culture is ingrained in all that we do, leading to novel approaches and transformative results. Our acclaimed faculty have a focus on innovation management and engineering to yield transformative results that will drive the intellectual and economic vitality of our community, nation, and world.  

Carnegie Mellon University Africa was established in 2011 through a partnership between Carnegie Mellon and the Government of Rwanda. CMU-Africa is the only U.S. research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa. The institution is addressing the critical shortage of high-quality engineering talent required to accelerate the economic transformation of the African continent. For more information on the Engineering program in Africa, please visit: www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu.