Afretec Network Conference focuses on innovation and collaboration
Patricia Raffaele
Dec 1, 2025
Innovation and collaboration were the focus of the annual conference of the African Engineering Technology Network (Afretec) held from October 20-October 22, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. The event was hosted by Université Cheikh Anta Diop.
Led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the Afretec Network is a pan-African collaboration of nine technology-focused universities from across the continent. The network develops technology leaders to drive inclusive digital transformation.
"We were excited to welcome our network partners to the Republic of Senegal for this year's Afretec Network Conference," said CMU-Africa's William Mutero, director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa. "It was a very productive meeting and one that highlighted our strength as a pan-African network focused on collaborating across different languages and cultures.”
Vijayakumar Bhagavatula, interim dean of the College of Engineering, CMU, and Daouda Ngom, minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Republic of Senegal, opened the conference, introducing the theme, "Innovation and Collaboration: from Research to Entrepreneurial Impact for an Inclusive Digital Transformation."
Key sessions focused on education, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. Facilitated by Pauline Gangla, head of Higher Education, Mastercard Foundation, the session on "Impact of Innovation on Education," included, "An Edtech Story," presented by Rica Rwigamba, country director for the Mastercard Foundation in Ghana and interim country director of Senegal and West African Economic and Monetary Union Region. Medea Degbe, chief operating officer, presented an overview of Etri Labs.
"Growing Digital Innovation: Exemplars," moderated by Ismaila Dabo, professor, CMU-Africa, featured five presentations showcasing capacity building in digital innovation and a panel discussion on "Digital Innovation across and Beyond Afretec."
Participants engaged in an interactive entrepreneurship session at Cheikh Anta Diop University including a Startup Showcase with visits to the Data Innovation Centre for AI/AR/VR Africa Laboratory and the International Center for Research and Training in Applied Genomics and Health Monitoring. The Startup Showcase also included breakout sessions with young innovators.
Students were featured in a session that included lightning talks by student representatives with audience interaction.
The conference also provided opportunities for participants to focus on the progress of the Afretec Network. Session topics included "Progress Pulse: Partner Level,” moderated by Mutero, and the “World Café: Expanding Collaborative Horizons," chaired by Nancy Biwott, CMU-Africa, and Mbayang Thiam, Cheikh Anta Diop University.
The conference provided time for networking and building connections through social events including the annual gala and a city tour.