The University of Venda has signed a five-year MoU with the African Technology Forum to advance artificial intelligence education, digital innovation and technology-driven talent development, the institutions announced on Friday.
The signing ceremony was held on 6 March at the University's Council Chambers in Thohoyandou. The partnership establishes a structured framework for collaboration between the two institutions, with the shared goal of equipping students with future-ready digital skills while strengthening the research capacity and innovation ecosystem within higher education.
Under the agreement, several African Technology Forum initiatives – including the ATF AI School, ATF AI Challenge and other emerging programs – will be implemented in collaboration with the University to give students practical exposure to emerging technologies.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Bernard Nthambeleni described the memorandum as strategically aligned with the University's Strategy 2026-2030, which prioritizes biodiversity, entrepreneurship and innovation. He stressed that the partnership should deliver measurable results and said the university's executive leadership has been activated to ensure successful implementation. “This collaboration will empower students from all faculties to meaningfully engage with emerging technologies and contribute to solving real-world challenges,” he said.
Ntsoki Mohapi, ATF South Africa country head, said the initiative will help advance AI capabilities, foster local innovation and support the development of practical solutions with real impact on African communities. He emphasized that ATF is committed to ensuring that no student is left behind in the global AI revolution.
Academic leaders from across the university welcomed the partnership. Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, expressed excitement about hosting the ATF student chapter at the university, saying it will provide students with AI skills, guidance from global experts, and opportunities for practical innovation in sectors including health care, agriculture, and education. He said a joint steering committee would be established to strengthen collaboration and expand the reach of the programme.
Tawanda Runhare, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, highlighted the partnership's potential to integrate science, technology and indigenous knowledge systems, describing it as a unique opportunity to ensure that technological innovation is rooted in African contexts and responsive to social needs.
Fulufelo Ntsevera, Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, concluded the ceremony by emphasizing that the true measure of the success of the partnership will lie in translating the agreement into concrete programs that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-driven opportunities for students, researchers and the wider university community.