University of Pretoria Receives $1 Million Google Donation to Boost African-Led AI Research

The University of Pretoria (UP) is proud to announce that it has received a $1 million (R18m) donation from Google to support the African Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AfriDSAI) - a transdisciplinary research institute hosted within UP and led by Prof Vukosi Marivate, the ABSA Chair of Data Science and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science.

The funding marks a major step forward in Africa's drive to become a significant contributor to the global AI research landscape. It will directly support catalytic activities at AfriDSAI, including fellowships for MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers; research in priority sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, natural language processing, and climate resilience; and the promotion of ethical and inclusive AI practices across the continent.

"This gift significantly enhances AfriDSAI's ability to conduct high-impact, socially responsive research and grow a new generation of African data scientists and AI leaders," said Prof Vukosi Marivate. "It strengthens our mission to build sustainable AI research communities across Africa and ensure that AI technologies developed here are shaped by local knowledge and values. As Africa currently contributes only 0.9% of global AI research output, this kind of investment is vital in changing that narrative."

AfriDSAI aims to position Africa not only as a beneficiary of AI innovation, but as a global contributor. The institute brings together researchers across disciplines to tackle complex challenges using AI in African contexts - from improving crop yields and disease detection to developing language technologies for underserved African languages.

The donation supports the University of Pretoria's broader institutional strategy to leverage transdisciplinary research and innovation in addressing pressing societal issues.

"The University of Pretoria is committed to being a thought leader in knowledge generation that is relevant, inclusive, and solutions-oriented," said Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria. "This generous support from Google aligns with our strategy to advance research with impact and reinforce Africa's position in the global AI ecosystem. AfriDSAI is a flagship example of how we aim to drive innovation with real-world impact."

The funding will also help deepen pan-African collaborations, contributing to a growing movement of African-led, ethical AI initiatives that prioritise social good, inclusion, and sustainability.