Empowering the next generation : AI and innovation take center stage at the AAUN Africa Forum

The University of Rwanda hosted the 2025 Australia-Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Africa Forum. Over the course of three days, top academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers from around the world gathered to discuss the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring how it can drive sustainable development, revolutionize education systems, and address pressing global and regional challenges.

Participants during the event

In his opening remarks, the University of Rwanda’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayihura Didas, emphasized the importance of the forum, which seeks to explore how AI is reshaping not only teaching and learning but also the way research is conducted. He also noted that AI can enhance institutional management and help tackle some of society’s most complex challenges, ultimately improving preparedness for the future.

From top left clockwise : UR VC Prof. Kayihura Didas, H.E. Jenny Da Rin, Prof. David Mickler, and Prof. Aldo Stroebel

Speaking at the Forum, Prof. Aldo Stroebel from the University of Mpumalanga ; who also serves as AAUN Co-Chair (Africa) urged universities to align their programs with industry needs by ensuring that curricula are supported and driven by AI. He highlighted that Rwanda, South Africa, and Mauritius are the only sub-Saharan African countries to have achieved AI readiness scores, a milestone that stands favorably compared to many nations globally.

H.E. Jenny Da Rin, Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, also attended the session. She commended AAUN for being a custodian, leader, and vital knowledge community that fosters growth, stimulates engagement, and catalyzes innovation.

Among other key delegates was Prof. David Mickler, AAUN Co-Chair (Australia) from Curtin University. He noted that the network seeks to address shared societal challenges and is committed to conducting impactful collaborative research, building research capacity, and fostering international partnerships to support the next generation of scholars across Australia and Africa.

The forum featured a series of panel discussions centered around the theme Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education. Among the presenters was Prof. Vukosi Marivate from the University of Pretoria, who delivered an inspiring presentation titled A New Agenda for African Languages x AI : Impact of AI on Higher Education.
Prof. Marivate’s thought-provoking insights raised critical questions, including how creativity can be stimulated in the age of AI and the serious consequences of failing to invest in this rapidly evolving field. He emphasized the importance of empowering and encouraging young people to harness AI’s potential to drive innovation across the continent.

Prof. Vukosi Marivate along with UR DVC Dr Raymond Ndikumana who moderated the session : A New Agenda for African Languages x AI : Impact of AI on Higher Education

Participants group photo