Google to open AI hub in Zambia, Malawi plans Smart Village
Recently, tech giant Google and the Zambian government announced a partnership to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence at the University of Zambia (UNZA). This collaboration is a significant step towards advancing technology and innovation in the region.
AI Center of Excellence in Zambia
According to the Zambian Ministry of Technology and Science's Facebook page, the AI Center of Excellence is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Google and the Zambian government in June. This center, to be located at the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) within UNZA, is set to be the first of its kind in Southern Africa.
The Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, highlighted that the AI Center will provide a platform for young innovators to address the challenges faced by Zambia. By fostering creativity and innovation, the center aims to develop solutions that can positively impact the local community.
ZAMREN, which has already connected 150 institutions in Zambia to high-speed Internet, will play a crucial role in supporting the activities of the AI Center of Excellence. Mutati emphasized the importance of such initiatives in providing free Internet access for research purposes to students across various training institutes.
Malawi's Smart Village Initiative
In another development, Malawi has joined hands with Chinese multinational Huawei to launch the Smart Village Initiative. The country's President, Lazarus Chakwera, unveiled this plan at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, underlining the government's commitment to driving digital transformation in rural areas.
The Smart Village Initiative aims to improve connectivity and access to digital services in remote communities. Huawei's partnership with Malawi will involve the establishment of technical training centers in rural areas, equipping young individuals with essential digital skills such as AI, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture solutions.
This collaboration with Huawei follows the recent agreement between the Chinese company and Sierra Leone to support the Digital Village Project in the country.
*Top image is of Zambian officials outside the AI Center of Excellence. (Source: Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia)
This content was originally published on Connecting Africa.
Latest in Tech
Stay updated with the latest news and trends in technology:
Tweets by connect__africa
