Afretec conference focuses on innovative research solutions

Patricia Raffaele

Jun 26, 2026

Researchers, entrepreneurs, and higher education leaders from across Africa gathered for the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) Principal Investigators Conference to explore innovative research solutions, collaborative partnerships, and research funding. Afretec, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), is a pan-African network of ten universities driving digital transformation on the continent through research, education, and entrepreneurship.

More than 150 participants attended the invitation-only conference, which was held at the University of Nairobi, from June 15-June 18. Participants included researchers from the Afretec network and participants in Afretec's Research School.

“A new generation of African researchers is emerging—one that responds directly to society’s needs,” said Ayub Gitau, University of Nairobi vice-chancellor and professor, noting that the university was honored to serve as the host of the conference. He added that the African Research School has become an integral component of Afretec’s initiatives by providing emerging researchers with the skills and networks necessary to drive meaningful research.

A man at a podium — Tim Brown, interim director CMU-Africa, encourages researchers to leverage partnerships to generate practical solutions for Africa’s development challenges at the Afretec PI conference.

Students sitting around a table — Researchers, entrepreneurs, and students learned about current research, participated in a pitch session, and attended a gala during the Afretec PI Conference.

Two men chatting and laughing — Participants in the Afretec PI conference had time to network, share research and seek collaborations during the conference.

A woman giving a speach — Asking questions and sharing information were a key part of Afretec's PI Conference held at the University of Nairobi in Kenya

The conference brings together researchers from Afretec partner institutions to share research findings, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthen institutional networks, and advance innovative solutions that contribute to Africa’s development.

“We are glad to welcome you to the city under the sun,” said George Abong, professor and Afretec network coordinator from the University of Nairobi.

He encouraged participants to make the most of the conference by seeking new collaborators, identifying additional funding opportunities, improving the accessibility of their research, and finding better ways to engage communities that are influenced by their work.

“A strong research ecosystem needs sustained funding. The Afretec Seed Grants provide an important opportunity, and I encourage researchers to seize it,” he said, adding that a good research ecosystem requires sustained investment.

The goals we have set cannot be achieved without higher education institutions. We must also invest in researchers which is why partnerships such as these are so important.
Eunice Muthengi, Director of Education, Mastercard Foundation

“Research drives development. It strengthens higher education ecosystems and enables institutions to remain competitive,” said Tim Brown, interim director of CMU-Africa, underscoring the critical role research plays in driving economic and social development. He challenged researchers to deepen interdisciplinary collaboration and leverage research partnerships to generate practical solutions for Africa’s development challenges

Highlighting the Mastercard Foundation’s long-term commitment to expanding equitable access to higher education, Eunice Muthengi, director of education for the Foundation, said, “The goals we have set cannot be achieved without higher education institutions. We must also invest in researchers, which is why partnerships such as these are so important”

She noted that the Foundation’s $100 million investment, now in its sixth year, is helping to develop highly skilled, creative global talent while promoting reciprocal knowledge generation across African institutions.

“This meeting provides an opportunity to showcase the progress we have made, discover new pathways, and contextualize solutions that respond to Africa's unique needs,” said Abong.

Afretec’s partner members include: