Carnegie Mellon University Africa Advances Digital Transformation in Africa
The Pan-African Network, spearheaded by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, is actively driving the continent’s digital transformation through initiatives in research, education, and entrepreneurship.
Afretec Welcomes New University Partner
In a significant development, Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced on June 2, 2026, that the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed a partnership agreement with Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU), marking its tenth university affiliation. Launched in 2022, Afretec fosters collaborations among Africa’s technology-focused universities with the goal of promoting digital growth, enhancing technology development, creating opportunities for youth, and influencing policy change.
Expanding the Network Across the Continent
Afretec’s university partners are diverse, spanning North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. The network includes prestigious institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda), Agostinho Neto University (Angola), Al Akhawein University (Morocco), American University in Cairo (Egypt), Sheikh Anta Diop University (Senegal), University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and now, AASTU in Ethiopia.
Collaboration and Growth
Tim Brown, the Interim Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Africa School, expressed pride in welcoming AASTU as a partner in the Afretec network. He noted that the network is built on a collaborative model that leverages the unique strengths of each university, emphasizing the valuable perspectives brought by Ethiopia, a nation known for its rapidly growing digital economy and its commitment to pan-African policy development.
Focus on Sustainable Change
Afretec is dedicated to building ecosystems that foster long-term, sustainable change and economic growth across Africa. Since its inception, the network has provided approximately $7.43 million in research funding, supporting over 40 research projects that enhance the profile of African studies through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.
Educational Initiatives to Empower Future Leaders
The Afretec Bridge program is designed to prepare students for graduate studies, having successfully trained more than 2,000 undergraduates. Additionally, the network has equipped around 500 teachers with skills in areas such as proposal writing, artificial intelligence in education, and addressing pedagogical challenges.
Promoting Entrepreneurship through Technology Skills
Afretec has established a structured and scalable partnership between academia and startups via its TechSkills Marketplace program. This initiative connects students with startups actively seeking technology talent, allowing students to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career while contributing their skills in a dynamic startup environment.
Highlighting AASTU’s Role in Ethiopia’s Vision
Founded in 2011, AASTU plays a crucial role in Ethiopia’s strategic initiative to promote industrialization, innovation, and STEM education. Located in Addis Ababa’s southeastern Kirinto district, it is recognized as the country’s leading center for industrial and pharmaceutical innovation, serving as a beacon for science and technology research.
About Afretec and Carnegie Mellon University Africa
The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) unites technology-focused universities across Africa to propel the continent’s digital transformation. Under the guidance of Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the network cultivates collaborations that yield impactful results. Carnegie Mellon University Africa itself was established in 2011, representing a partnership between the university and the Government of Rwanda. It is the only U.S.-based research university with a dedicated presence in Africa, addressing the critical shortage of skilled engineering talent necessary for the continent’s economic progress.
