University of Pretoria recognised as leading institution for AI research in South Africa
Image: DC Studio / Freepik
The University of Pretoria (UP) has been recognised as the top institution in South Africa for artificial intelligence (AI) research, according to a recent EduRank analysis.
This achievement highlights UP's increasing influence in AI scholarship and its sustained investment in research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation that benefits society.
The ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 61,200 academic papers and 969,000 citations from 24 South African universities.
Globally, UP is ranked 532nd, and it holds the second position across the African continent for its AI research output and impact.
Professor Sunil Maharaj, UP's vice-principal for research, innovation, and postgraduate education, commented on this recognition, stating, "This ranking confirms UP's role as a leader in developing AI technologies that are impactful, ethical and relevant."
He added that UP's researchers are actively "helping shape the future of this field in Africa and beyond."
UP's AI research capabilities have been strengthened by new international funding awarded to Professor Vukosi Marivate.
Professor Marivate holds the ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science within the Department of Computer Science.
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This funding is dedicated to supporting African-led AI research in crucial areas, including healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, and language technology, with a strong commitment to ethical considerations and inclusion.
Professor Marivate's work focuses on developing AI systems specifically designed for African contexts.
This includes creating tools capable of processing underrepresented languages and providing data insights that are directly relevant to local needs.
The funding will also support postgraduate training and collaborative projects aimed at developing the next generation of African AI researchers.
Professor Marivate emphasised, "We are committed to ensuring that AI solutions emerging from Africa are shaped by African priorities."
He also noted that this support enables the growth of local research capacity and the creation of "tools that have direct, meaningful impact on communities."
The University's AI projects frequently involve collaborations with industry, partnerships across various faculties, and engagement with policymakers to ensure broad societal benefit.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen stated that the combination of this new ranking and increased research funding reflects the university's core mission.
"We aim to be a thought leader in areas that matter most to society," Professor Petersen remarked.
He concluded that UP's AI research serves as a prime example of how the university can deliver solutions that are "globally competitive and deeply relevant to Africa's development."
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