June 12, 2024
The Afretec Healthcare Summer School
The Afretec Healthcare Summer School, hosted by The American University in Cairo AUC and sponsored by Afretec from June 9 to 12, 2024, was an electrifying four-day event that redefi
Afretec Network
The American University in Cairo (AUC) is actively collaborating with the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), a joint initiative led by CMU-Africa. Afretec aims to unite technology-focused universities to drive inclusive digital growth across the continent through collaborating on teaching and learning, knowledge creation, and entrepreneurship activities within the realm of engineering and technology.
Member Universities
- The American University in Cairo
- Al Akhawayn University
- Universidade Agostinho Neto
- CMU-Africa
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
- University of Lagos
- University of Nairobi
- University of Rwanda
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU)
Afretec Pillars
Teaching and Learning
Foster excellence in teaching and learning methodologies to cultivate a workforce that drives inclusive digital transformation across Africa.
Knowledge Creation
Establish a thriving, diverse and enduring pan-African ecosystem for creating ICT knowledge. This pillar comprises three clusters: health, energy and sustainability and environment.
Entrepreneurship
Develop entrepreneurship education and business opportunities to foster a startup technology culture and ecosystem across Africa.
Inclusion and Impact
Deliberately incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into all processes and activities.
Call for Proposals: Afretec Seed Grants 2026–2027
Award: Up to $30,000 USD per project | Duration: 12 Months (Starting February 1, 2027) | Deadline: September 14, 2026, at 5:00 pm CAT
The School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE) invites AUC faculty members to submit collaborative research proposals under the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) Seed Grant Program. Supported by CMU-Africa and the Mastercard Foundation, this competitive funding opportunity supports multi-institutional teams accelerating inclusive digital transformation across the continent.
We encourage interdisciplinary proposals integrating AI, ICT, and cybersecurity into critical impact areas, including health, energy, environment, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, infrastructure, and water/waste systems.
- Eligibility: Research teams must include Principal Investigators (PIs) from at least two Afretec member institutions. At least one lead PI must represent one of Afretec’s newest partner universities (Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Agostinho Neto University, Al Akhawayn University, or Université Cheikh Anta Diop).
- Target Focus: Special priority is given to early-career researchers and projects directly addressing the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced communities.
Read more about the call for proposals and application guidelines
Register for the virtual Information session on August 27, 2026
Happening At Afretec
From Self-Assembled Microtubes to Suspended Microchannel Resonators: Advancing Piezoelectric MEMS for Biological Sensing
1 – 2 pm (GMT+3)
Registration link: Pre-registration is required.
Climate Change and the Future of Offshore Wind Energy
12 – 1:15 pm (GMT+3)
Registration link: Pre-registration is required.
CuttingEEG Cairo Garden 2026
Sept. 21, 10 am – Sept. 25, 2026 5 pm (GMT+3)
Afretec News
AUC Afretec Faculty
AUC Afretec in Action
Contact Us
The Afretec Network at AUC
The American University in Cairo
School of Sciences and Engineering
AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74. New Cairo 11835