Afrique Center for Statistics, Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Research (ACSAIR)
The digital interconnectedness of Africa, symbolizes ACSAIR’s mission to harness technology and data for the continent’s development. ACSAIR works to nurture a continent-wide ecosystem where statistics, innovation and AI are leveraged responsibly to improve lives, strengthen governance and secure Africa’s place in the frontiers of science and innovation.
Who We Are
Afrique Center for Statistics, Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Research (ACSAIR) is a pan-African non-profit research organization dedicated to leveraging data, AI and innovation to drive sustainable development.
We combine cutting-edge technical expertise with a deep understanding of African socio-economic realities to design solutions that empower communities, inform evidence-based policymaking and spur inclusive growth.
Our approach is simple: we work hand-in-hand with governments, NGOs and development partners to ensure that advances in research capacities, statistics, innovation and invention and AI translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. ACSAIR is turning data into actionable knowledge and converting innovative ideas into scalable solutions for the public good.
Africa stands on the cusp of a data revolution. Already, real-world examples demonstrate the transformative potential of these technologies – for instance, in Kenya a digital health platform powered by AI has provided nearly three million new and expectant mothers with life-saving information via basic SMS messages and AI-driven advisory services now give smallholder farmers timely, tailored guidance on pests and weather, helping boost crop yields and resilience.
ACSAIR exists to scale and support such innovations across the continent, ensuring they are locally-driven, ethically implemented and sustainable. We believe that by combining rigorous statistical research with artificial intelligence and a culture of innovation, African nations can leapfrog into a future where decisions are data-informed and technology works for everyone. On our platform, you will find insights into how we conduct research, build capacity, deliver services and foster partnerships to make this vision a reality.
Operational Area
ACSAIR’s operational area is the entire African continent, with a commitment to reach and benefit all regions: North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa. While our headquarters is in Kampala, Uganda, we function through a network of collaborations and on-the-ground activities in multiple countries. Being pan-African in scope means we design our programs to be scalable and adaptable across different local contexts. We recognize that Africa is incredibly diverse – culturally, linguistically, economically and in terms of technological infrastructure, so our operations are flexible and responsive to local needs.
We often establish small satellite offices or assign local coordinators in countries where we have significant activities. These local presences help us maintain close relationships with stakeholders (like government ministries or community organizations), understand on-the-ground realities and ensure smooth implementation of projects. Our operational model balances a centralized strategy with decentralized execution. The strategy and knowledge base such as research methodology, model development, training curricula are often developed at our HQ or by our core team, but the execution is done regionally in partnership with local entities.
ACSAIR’s operational areas of focus also span various development sectors, reflecting Africa’s multifaceted challenges. We operate wherever data and innovation can make an impact: this includes sectors like agriculture, health, education, environmental management, finance, infrastructure and governance. For each sector, we often have a flagship project or partnership. By being present in different sectors, we also encourage cross-sector learning – success in one domain can inspire approaches in another e.g., using techniques from health data management to improve education data systems.
Another aspect of our operational area is regional and continental initiatives. ACSAIR actively engages in Africa-wide networks and programs. Our aim is to break silos between countries by fostering an Africa-wide learning community. If we develop a good practice in one country, we will seek to transfer that knowledge to others through conferences or direct technical assistance. In this way, our operational footprint isn’t just isolated activities, but a growing web of knowledge exchange spanning Africa.
We also remain mindful of working in fragile and low-resource settings. Some of our operations are in areas with limited infrastructure (like remote villages or post-conflict regions). In these areas, our approach is to start small, listen carefully and build capacity gradually. Additionally, we strive to include such communities so that the benefits of research, technology and innovation are not just concentrated in Africa’s major cities or tech hubs. This inclusive approach is part of our mandate to leave no one behind in the digital age.