"We were encouraged by the enthusiasm and excellent applications we have received for the first intake last year. The AMMI program gives students intensive mathematics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning training, preparing them to think of new ways to solve local and global challenges. The first cohort has really demonstrated the potential for foundational AI and machine learning research, and will enrich the machine intelligence ecosystem on the continent. We look forward to accepting new applications for the program," said Professor Moustapha Ciss??, Director of the AMMI Program at AIMS and Head of the Google AI center in Ghana.

The first cohort of AMMI students, supported by Facebook and Google, and based at the AIMS Rwanda campus in Kigali, are set to graduate in June this year. The AMMI program includes 30 students from 10 African countries with 43 percent women. After the one-year intensive program, graduates are encouraged to pursue doctorate study or join the best industrial and public R&D labs, in Africa and beyond.

"Creating an effective, globally connected community of MI practitioners in Africa will reduce the technology gap, strengthen Africa's economies and enable better governance." said Professor Ciss??.

To apply, students must have a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering or an equivalent from an accredited institution, be interested and/or have background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, as well as have a strong interest in solving national or continental problems using science and technology. Visit aimsammi.org for more details.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) About AIMS
Founded in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a Pan-African network of centres of excellence for post-graduate training, research and public engagement in mathematical sciences. The AIMS network has six centres of excellence teaching a Masters in Mathematical Sciences, including a co-operative option with a direct link to industry in three centres. Currently, the network has over 1600 alumni from 43 African countries.

The network also includes research centres and programs with 90 researchers including six prestigious Chairs across the network. In Cameroon and Rwanda, AIMS runs a gender-responsive teacher training program, in addition to two critical initiatives: Quantum Leap Africa to prepare Africa for the coming quantum revolution, and the Next Einstein Forum to propel Africa on to the global scientific stage.  

About AMMI
In September 2018, AIMS launched the African Masters in Machine Intelligence at its Rwanda campus.  In partnership with Facebook and Google, AMMI's goal is to bring the best of AI education in Africa where AMMI students interact with world-class lecturers to grow their technical skills to respond to both present and future needs of Africa and the world.