The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) announces the launch of the region’s first artificial intelligence research center in the Republic of Congo.
The newly established artificial intelligence research center is located in the capital city of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville. The Denis Sassou Nguesso University in Kintélé, in the north of Brazzaville, will house the scientific research center.
The research center was jointly developed by UNECA and the Government of the Republic of Congo with the sole purpose of advancing artificial intelligence research in the areas of digital policy, infrastructure, finance, skills, digital platforms, and entrepreneurship to advance digital technology in Africa.
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According to Congolese officials, the center plans to conduct multiple research projects in the academic year 2022-2023, including neural networks, computer vision, machine learning, VR/AR, natural language processing, robotics, and others.
UNECA, in a statement, said, “The center will be the first of its kind in Africa, and it will provide a regional hub for the development of emerging technologies in the region.”
The African Research Center on Artificial Intelligence, which the ECA and other partners are supporting, will provide the required technology education and skills to enhance Africa’s integration, as well as contribute to inclusive economic growth and job creation.
In addition, the facility will also work to alleviate poverty for the continent’s socio-economic development and ensure that Africa has access to the latest digital management tools.
“This institution aims to undertake cutting-edge research on artificial intelligence by focusing on a human-centered approach to maximize benefits and counter development challenges,” said Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Leon Juste Ibombo.
The AI research center is part of a larger strategy to make Africa the world’s future powerhouse by 2063. Apart from mainstream academics and research, the AI research center will provide certified online training to Africans and also offer an introductory training course on robotics and AI through the green classroom for primary and secondary school students.
