# Afretec

**Source**: https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/index.html
**Parent**: https://engineering.cmu.edu/education/graduate-studies/programs/cmu-africa.html

The African Engineering and Technology Network will drive inclusive digital growth through higher education and the power of collaboration. Technology-focused universities from across the continent are working together to build engineering and technology capacity in education, knowledge creation, and entrepreneurship.

The African Engineering and Technology Network will drive inclusive digital growth through higher education and the power of collaboration. Technology-focused universities from across the continent are working together to build engineering and technology capacity in education, knowledge creation, and entrepreneurship.

- [Learn about Carnegie Mellon University Africa](https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/)
- [Access member resources](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/member-resources/index.html)
- [Read news mentions](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/news/mentions.html)

- Producing locally relevant innovations and globally competitive tech talent
- Developing a digital knowledge creation ecosystem
- Fostering a startup technology ecosystem across Africa

Hear from student researchers working together across the network

## Collaborative research

Afretec Network awards $2.3M in research grants

Each multi-institutional team will build on science, engineering, and technology in disciplines such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, information technology, and cybersecurity. The projects are particularly focused on improving the state of health, environment and sustainability, and energy in Africa. **[Learn more](https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2025/10/03-afretec-grants.html)**

- [Jan 1 - Jun 30 2026

  Afretec

  She Can in ICT

  This is a specialized training initiative designed to empower women with promising project ideas in the field of information and communication technology.

  The American University in Cairo](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/events/2026/01/01-she-can.html)
- [March 29-30 2026

  Afretec

  Design for Impact: Transforming Courses for Real-World Success Institute

  A hybrid professional development program designed to support faculty in redesigning existing courses or developing new ones using learner-centered, challenge-based, and design thinking approaches.

  Hybrid (both in-person and online attendance)](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/events/2026/03/29-30-design-for-impact.html)
- [April 15-17 2026

  Afretec

  R&D to Commercialization: From Laboratory Research to World-Class Companies

  This event equips participants with actionable insights and skills needed to bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and world-class enterprises.

  Université Cheikh Anta Diop](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/events/2026/04/15-17-r-and-d.html)
- [April 20-26 2026

  Afretec

  Workshop on AI Practice in Bioinformatics

  Data-Driven Entrepreneurial Product Development

  Université Cheikh Anta Diop](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/events/2026/04/20-25-workshop-ai-bioinformatics.html)

[Browse All Upcoming Events](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/events/index.html)

## News mentions

\

[Carnegie Mellon University Africa

### Afretec Network Conference focuses on innovation and collaboration](https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/news/2025/12/1-afretec-conference.html)

Innovation and collaboration were the focus of the annual conference of the African Engineering Technology Network held from October 20-October 22, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. The event was hosted by Université Cheikh Anta Diop.

[The New Times

### How CMU-Africa, UR's Bridge Program is boosting students' STEM expertise](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/31189/news/featured/how-cmu-africa-urs-bridge-program-is-boosting-students-stem-expertise/amp)

Carnegie Mellon University Africa and the University of Rwanda have launched a bridge program to equip undergraduate students with practical STEM and communication skills, aiming to enhance employability and work readiness.

[Ripples Nigeria

### OpenAI, UNILAG join forces to unlock Africa’s artificial intelligence potential](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/openai-unilag-join-forces-to-unlock-africas-artificial-intelligence-potential/)

As part of the University of Lagos’s 5th International Week, the university will host Africa's first OpenAI Academy on October 16–17, 2025, in partnership with OpenAI.

[Carnegie Mellon University, College of Engineering

### Afretec Network awards $2.3M in multi-institutional research grants](https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2025/10/03-afretec-grants.html)

The Carnegie Mellon University Africa-led network has awarded almost $7.43M in research funding since it was established in 2022.

[More Mentions](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/news/mentions.html)

- [Learn more about Afretec’s purpose and objectives](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/about/index.html)
- [Meet our African university members](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/members/index.html)
- [View our Board of Directors](https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/directory/index.html)