Nelson Mandela University Research Week

Shaping Africa’s AI-Driven Knowledge Future: Ethics, Access, and Impact in Higher Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for higher education in Africa. This symposium explores how AI can transform teaching, learning, research, and administrative practices while addressing critical ethical, linguistic, infrastructural, and policy considerations. By convening thought leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders, the session will examine pathways for equitable AI adoption across African universities.

The symposium will feature a combination of keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, case study showcases, and participatory audience engagements. Participants will explore strategies to enhance research capacity, promote inclusivity, navigate ethical dilemmas, and develop AI-ready governance frameworks. The goal is to map actionable steps that African universities can take to leverage AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring that technological advancement contributes to knowledge generation, skills development, and sustainable innovation on the continent.

The Director of the Institute, Professor Samuel K. Kwofie, will present at Nelson Mandela University's Research Week. His talk, "Ethics, Access, and Governance of AI in Africa’s Universities," will be followed by an interactive session on "Audience Perspectives – AI Gaps, Needs, and Opportunities in Our Institutions." These engagements advance his vision to establish the Institute as the University of Ghana's hub for artificial intelligence and data science.