Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAiT) held The African Engineering and Technology Network (AFRETEC NETWORK) meeting, a Pan-African collaboration of technology-focused universities from across the African continent at AAiT campus, on October 3, 2023.

Bikila Teklu (PhD), Chief Executive Director at AAiT, said that the AFRETEC Network will perform a great job in increasing the capacity building of students and teachers as well as the university community through providing various trainings in the field of engineering and technology.

The Director noted that AFRETEC is a network of African universities with a vision that has received an estimated amount of 270 million dollars over the years and helps the higher education institutions in the network by paying operating fees for scholarships, research works and other various fields.

He explained that for the time being, six universities from different African countries are registered as members in the network, and further efforts will continue to increase the members up to ten by adding higher education institutions with good reputations.

Conrad Tucker (PhD), Interim Director at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, said, “The key turning point in Africa’s digital development is the establishment of AFRETEC. On the continent, the network will create a robust infrastructure for knowledge development and education.”

According to the Interim Director, AFRETEC will give its members a venue for intense collaboration that promotes equitable digital development in Africa. Ten colleges with a strong emphasis on technology will be a part of the network, which is now in the foundational stage of construction, he added.

He further stated that AFRETEC will create a platform for technology-focused universities in Africa to drive inclusive digital growth by collaborating on teaching and learning, knowledge creation, and entrepreneurship activities within the area of engineering and technology.

Web reporter: Theodros Shewangizaw

Photographer: Fikremariam Beyene

Editor: Abraham Girmay