Refractory Uganda, a tech-skilling academy in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has launched a program focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) skills.

The program, which aims to provide software engineering skills to 118 learners, was officially launched at Clarke International University on a recent Friday.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in driving the global and national digital revolution, offering new opportunities to overcome existing barriers to human development and social inclusion, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with Uganda’s National Development Plan III, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance partnered with GIZ through the “Fair Forward” project to deliver an AI Skilling Program aimed at fostering the development and re-skilling of the Ugandan workforce in AI, machine learning, and data science.

This six-month training program combines project-based instruction with self-directed learning to equip participants with fundamental knowledge in artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning. Learners have the opportunity to work with data sets from real work environments to apply and reinforce their acquired knowledge and skills.

The program also offers elective specializations, allowing participants to focus on areas such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Earth Observation and Geomatics. Despite receiving over 2300 applications, only 118 participants were selected. Many of them are already part of the industry and are dedicated to advancing data science and industrial revolution technology.

Michael Niyitegeka, the program director at Refractory, mentioned that they secured funding to implement this program, which includes providing 50 full scholarships to carefully selected and qualified Ugandans from various sectors, with 50% of the scholarships awarded to female candidates.

The program has multiple objectives, including imparting actionable knowledge of AI and data science applications in local contexts, providing expertise in big data and analytics, deploying AI and ML solutions to address real-world challenges, and enabling data-driven decision-making.

In terms of eligibility, Niyitegeka explained that applicants should have a basic understanding of software engineering and a grasp of numerical concepts since the program deals extensively with data and statistics. The cohort primarily consists of individuals already working in various fields, as the program is designed to have immediate practical applications in the workplace.

Participants in the program, such as Muhammed Kamal and Amanda Shirley, have specific goals, including building networks, developing skills to combat fraud and cybercrimes, and applying their newfound knowledge in the industry by the program’s conclusion in April 2024.

The cohort has been in session for two weeks and is poised for a transformative learning experience.