IIT Madras reshapes Africa’s diplomacy

Dar es Salaam. The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping diplomacy, offering innovative tools for decision-making, communication, and negotiations on the global stage.

This cutting-edge technology, experts say, is changing how nations interact in an increasingly complex world.

In Tanzania, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Zanzibar campus, barely a year old, is emerging as a leader in this transformation.

The institution is spearheading AI education to prepare future diplomats with tools to analyse data and make informed decisions.

During a special reception on December 4, organised by the High Commission of India, the focus was on the role of AI in diplomacy. Experts from IIT Madras highlighted how the technology could revolutionise international relations.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Principal Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Ms Mwanakhamis Adam Ameir, said the government aims to position the IIT Madras Zanzibar campus as a hub for education in Africa.

“We invite ambassadors to encourage the enrolment of students from your countries. This institution is central to our vision of making Zanzibar a centre of excellence in technology,” she said.

The Ambassador of the Union of Comoros and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Dr Ahamada El Badaoui Mohamed Fakih, praised the initiative. “This program is timely and necessary. It is a commendable step towards bridging the digital divide in Africa,” he said. IIT Madras Zanzibar has made significant strides in offering specialised courses. The institution, which opened in October 2023, offers programs in artificial intelligence, data science, and ocean structures. According to its Director, Prof Preeti Aghalayam, the campus is designed to nurture talent in emerging fields.

“Our BS and MTech programs in AI and Data Science, as well as Ocean Structures, are tailored to equip students with cutting-edge skills. Admissions open every January,” Prof Aghalayam explained. The importance of AI in diplomacy was further underscored by Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras. He explained how AI could help diplomats understand global dynamics better through advanced data analysis and predictive modelling.

High Commissioner of India, Mr Bishwadip Dey, emphasised the event’s significance. “AI is the future of diplomacy. It enables deeper understanding and fosters smarter decision-making in international relations,” he noted.

The institution’s collaboration with private companies is also creating new opportunities. Airtel Tanzania’s Managing Director, Mr Charles Kamoto, announced the launch of the Airtel Africa Fellowship. This initiative supports African students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, promoting digital innovation across the continent.

President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, during the launch of the institution last year, called IIT Madras a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s Vision 2050.

“This institution will develop the skilled workforce needed to drive our economic transformation,” he said.

With just 50 undergraduates and 20 master’s students in its first intake, IIT Madras Zanzibar is already making an impact. Its programs align with Africa’s growing need for expertise in technology, particularly in AI.

As AI continues to influence diplomacy, institutions like IIT Madras Zanzibar are crucial. By equipping students with advanced skills, they ensure Africa is not left behind in the technological revolution.