South Africa’s voice at BRICS 2025
NITheCS Associate Dr William Tichaona Vambe recently represented South Africa at the 10th BRICS Young Innovators Forum in Brazil. His selection as one of only nine participants from 259 applicants is a remarkable achievement that underscores his contributions to science, technology, and innovation.
Dr Vambe is a Computer Science scholar and innovation leader dedicated to developing inclusive technologies that reflect Africa’s cultural diversity. Guided by his philosophy that “technology is useless if it does not simplify people’s lives and address their challenges,” he continues to champion research that bridges technology and humanity.
He serves as a Senior Lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, with research interests spanning Artificial Intelligence (AI), ICT for Development (ICT4D), Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Data Science. He is also a published scientist and thought leader, having received recognition from organisations such as InSPiR2eS and the African Science Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP).
Reflecting on his experience, Dr Vambe described the BRICS Young Innovators Forum as a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the co-creation of locally relevant technologies. He emphasised that the development of technological solutions within BRICS should be driven by the people of these nations – ensuring that data, systems, and innovations reflect cultural diversity and local realities.
Key Contributions at the 10th BRICS Young Innovators Forum
At the forum, Dr Vambe championed Africa’s technological sovereignty in AI, calling for stronger representation of BRICS nations in global innovation spaces. His presentation focused on four strategic priorities:
· Developing African- and BRICS-owned datasets that incorporate Indigenous Knowledge and local languages.
· Investing in local AI talent and ethics expertise to ensure innovation aligns with national policies and cultural values.
· Building infrastructure for equitable digital participation, particularly in underserved rural and low-income communities.
· Embedding equity and inclusion at the core of all technology design and innovation frameworks.
In his address, Dr Vambe reminded delegates that “AI is not neutral – it reflects the world it is trained on.” He urged BRICS countries not only to adopt AI but to shape its evolution, asserting that “BRICS nations don’t just need AI; AI needs BRICS nations.”
Looking forward
NITheCS congratulates Dr Vambe on his achievement and ongoing work in shaping Africa’s AI-driven future. His participation at BRICS 2025 highlights the global impact of NITheCS Associates and their commitment to advancing South Africa’s research and innovation landscape. It also reaffirms South Africa’s growing leadership in responsible, inclusive, and culturally grounded technology development.
