AfreLa
About AfreLa
AfreLa’s mission is to produce research on AI and fintech with practical relevance for Africa, to share it through a collaborative network, and to train the people who will build and supervise the sector.
The lab is directed by Hamid Nach, Ph.D., Full Professor of Business Technology Management, who studies how AI is reshaping fintech in Africa. He is a member of the AI Talent and Skills working group of Smart Africa’s Africa AI Council.
Academic values and ethical guidelines
Integrity
AfreLa adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity, ensuring that all research activities are conducted in a transparent and ethical manner.
Excellence
The lab strives for academic and professional excellence in all endeavors, from research to community engagement.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
AfreLa values interdisciplinary collaboration as a means to enrich its research. The lab works with scholars from economics, computer and data science, law and the social sciences.
Diversity
Africa is many markets, languages and regulatory settings. The lab works with researchers, students and partners across the continent and treats each context on its own terms.
Our roadmap to impact
Academic excellence
The lab aims to publish its research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed academic journals and to share them on international platforms, contributing to the evolving discourse on fintech.
Industry engagement
Our lab collaborates with financial institutions, tech firms, and NGOs on research projects for real-world impact, while also offering consultancy services to industry players, giving them practical advice drawn from our research.
Educational outreach
The lab develops fintech and AI curricula and hosts workshops, training sessions and seminars that offer specialized education in the field.
Collaborative networks
Academic leadership
The lab operates under the academic leadership of Hamid Nach, Ph.D., who oversees the lab’s research agenda, academic collaborations, and scholarly publications.
Collaborative networks
The lab maintains a network of academic collaborators from various disciplines. These collaborations enrich the lab’s research and provide opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.
Opportunities for academic engagement
For faculty and researchers
AfreLa invites faculty members and researchers interested in fintech, AI and their applications in Africa to collaborate on research projects, co-author scholarly papers, and participate in academic events.
For graduate and undergraduate students
The lab offers research assistantships and internships for students interested in fintech research. Students have the opportunity to work closely with experienced researchers, gain hands-on research experience, and contribute to scholarly publications.
For professionals
AfreLa is open to research collaborations with other academic institutions, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations. These partnerships can take various forms, including joint research projects, data sharing agreements, and academic exchanges.
Reach out
Let’s engage.