The center is designed to equip students with deep technical expertise, enabling them to develop locally relevant software that also meets global standards.
'So rather than Africa being just consumers, we now are creators and contribute to the global ecosystem of open-source products and open-source software,' said Conrad Tucker, Director of CMU Africa.
Beyond fostering innovation, the center also aims to enhance Africa's technological autonomy, allowing governments to develop and maintain their own software rather than relying on external providers.
'For ample, if the government of Rwanda has a software that is developed and implemented domestically. If that software needs to be updated or replaced, rather than always going externally, we have locally homegrown technical talent that can either develop the software, maintain it, and even export it so that this can also be a new source of revenue for our countries.' Tucker explained.
The establishment of the digital public infrastructure labs, has been made possible through a multi-year partnership with the Gates Foundation.
A hub for African digital innovation
This center is a key initiative supporting Africa's digital transformation, according to Assane Gueye, Co-Director of the Upanzi Network and an associate teaching professor at CMU Africa.
'Africa is going digital, there are technologies that we need to support that. Often people want to see technology in action, go to India, Europe, or China and this is an opportunity for us as African countries to step up,' Gueye pointed out.
A major objective of the center is to provide a space where African leaders can explore emerging technologies firsthand. 'The people working on these solutions are the sons and daughters of Africa. They know the challenges, they build the solutions, and the digital experience center is a place where we showcase them.'
Among the innovations already underway is a digital ID system, which will allow governments to transition from physical ID cards to secure digital identities. 'We create a digital ID for the citizen and give them access to services that the government is offering, showcasing how digital ID can help in the country,' Gueye explained.
One of the most promising projects showcased at the center is a Malaria Diagnosis App, co-developed by Eric Maniraguha, a research associate and geospatial analyst at CMU Africa. The app leverages machine learning to streamline malaria diagnosis, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing.
'We are trying to digitalize the malaria diagnosis process. We are working on this by collecting data from health centers, validating it with RBC, and using machine learning to identify and classify malaria parasites,' Maniraguha explained.
While still undergoing optimization, the app is expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. 'This will reduce the time required for diagnosis and also automate the process,' he noted.
Another major focus of the center is bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas. Unlike traditional research institutions, the digital experience center prioritizes real-world problem-solving.
It is expected set to become a regional hub for digital innovation, allowing policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore, test, and implement new technologies.
IGIHE
