IUEA Students' AI projects shines at the global GAIME 2025 Conference

At the Global AI Innovation Movement and Evolution (GAIME) Conference in Munyonyo, Kampala last week, the students of The International University of East Africa (IUEA) through there AI project won big outstanding with their remarkable, unique and creativeI innovative. 

The students who out competed over 100 competitors from different universities and other technology participant stood out in Uganda’s technology scene at an evnt that attracted policymakers, industry leaders, and youth converged.

During the conference, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, who gave a key note speech challenged African governments, innovators, and the private sector to harness artificial intelligence to empower Africa’s youth and bridge the continent’s digital divide.

The two-day GAIME Conference, that took place from the 30th to 31st October 2025 at the Speke Resort, drew over 5,000 delegates from more than 180 countries.

Participants include top tech innovators, researchers, and thousands of students, all determined to make Africa a significant player in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Baryomunsi pictured above,  highlighted the stark differences that while the world is advancing in AI, robotics, and automation, Africa is held back by infrastructure gaps, minimal funding, and a lack of widespread digital literacy. 

“How do we harness the potential of AI to improve the potential of young lives? he asked.

He urged a shared vision to embed technology across sectors from healthcare to agriculture, education, and governance.

The Minister called on Ugandans to take an active role in the global conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing it as a powerful driver of financial growth and efficiency across sectors.

“Ugandans must engage in the AI conversation and learn how to leverage it for financial and social advantage. This is where the world is headed we must not be left behind.” He said.

Ayebare Mucunguzi, founder of AGX Technologies, demonstrated how locally developed AI models can address everyday issues.

“Products in Africa are inflated in prices, AI can help with this, we have built a model that scans 1000s of receipts,” Mucunguzi explained.

He further explained how technology could inject transparency and efficiency into African businesses.

Microsoft software engineer Renee Silva echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while technical fundamentals remain critical, AI can drastically accelerate engineering workflows.

“You still have to know basic knowledge but AI makes work faster,” Silva said.

The GAIME Conference exemplifies the continent’s ambitions, placing innovation and youth empowerment at the heart of its agenda. Plenary sessions over the two days will focus on practical tools, ethical governance, and strategies to position Africa not just as an AI adopter, but as a shaper of global technology.

Recently, Otic Foundation Partnered with IUEA to Advance AI Education in Uganda, a landmark collaboration with the through a transformative Memorandum of Understanding that was activated in May 2025.

The partnership aimed at delivering cutting-edge AI training to all IUEA students —faculty by faculty, course by course—while advancing AI research and development.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa, emphasized how this initiative is a cornerstone of the National Free AI Skilling Initiative (NFASI), which aims to equip 1 million Ugandans with essential AI competencies.

“This strategic effort will propel Uganda toward a future of innovation, digital leadership, and global competitiveness” he said

Recognized for its forward-thinking approach to technology, IUEA has set the standard with its state-of-the-art innovation and research labs, coupled with its multiple awards in innovation and research.

“We are honored to contribute to the growth of tomorrow’s tech leaders—empowering them to drive a new wave of innovation from Uganda to the world” he emphasized

Lamine N’tambi Sanogo, Managing Director of CERFODES and founder of GAIME, said Africa can no longer afford to remain a bystander in the ongoing technological revolution.

“AI tools are the way forward. As Africans, we must adopt quickly so we are not left behind by this transformative technology. This conference is not just about technology it’s about positioning Africa as a serious player in the global AI ecosystem,” Sanogo said.

The conference brings together innovators, educators, policymakers, and researchers exploring how AI can drive social and economic transformation, strengthen digital governance, and promote responsible innovation.

One of the key highlights of GAIME 2025 is the AI Intelligence Profile System, a first-of-its-kind platform developed by CERFODES to connect institutions and innovators worldwide based on verified expertise and shared objectives.

The conference agenda focuses on four major themes: AI for Development: Using AI to power social and economic transformation, Digital Economy & Innovation: Applying AI in business and governance, Ethics, Policy & Regulation: Promoting responsible and transparent AI use and Investment & Startups: Linking innovators to investors and venture capitalists.

The conference concluded with the signing of the Kampala Impact Charter on Collaborative AI, a policy framework outlining commitments and measurable actions agreed upon during the summit.