ITIV Supports AI Expansion in East Africa

Representing KIT, Prof. Eric Sax from the Institute for Information Processing Technology (ITIV) and his doctoral students Nikola Lukezic and Moritz Zink participated in the discussions of the EAC AI Alliance, a regional initiative to promote artificial intelligence (AI) in East Africa. They were accompanied by Konstantin Kölmel and Nils Rauscher, representatives of the NGO Liberating Education Organization.

The EAC AI Alliance is supported by the East African Community in collaboration with international partners. Its target is to advance the responsible use of AI through research, training, and innovative applications. The second edition of the AI4EAC Innovation Challenge was launched during the course. The program aims to reach 20,000 people in the member states of the East African Community and support young talent, researchers, and companies in developing AI-based solutions in the region.

In his speech at the kickoff event, Prof. Eric Sax emphasized the importance of close cooperation between Europe and East Africa. He noted that artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform the economy, education, and social life. At the same time, he said, East Africa—with its young population and dynamic innovation landscape—offers excellent conditions for actively participating in this development.

Video of Prof. Eric Sax’s remarks at the press conference (starting at 01:44)

“Our target is to bring together research, teaching, education, and industrial partners,” explained Prof. Sax. It is crucial that regions not merely remain consumers of new technologies but become part of the emerging value chains themselves. KIT aims to contribute its expertise in research, technology transfer, and innovation promotion and to support the development of a sustainable AI ecosystem in East Africa on an equal footing.

The event also received coverage in the East African media. The Tanzanian daily newspaper *Daily News* reported on the launch of the second AI4EAC Innovation Challenge and the role of the EAC AI Alliance in building an independent regional AI ecosystem.

Media report “EAC urged to develop home-grown AI solutions”:

The discussions in Arusha mark the beginning of a potential long-term collaboration between KIT, the EAC AI Alliance, and other regional partners. Further reports on the trip to Africa and the discussions held there will follow in the coming weeks.