The University of the Witwatersrand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with York University in Canada.

The memorandum seeks to lead to the creation of the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence Data Modelling Consortium.

The consortium will create algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence to predict the evolution of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with which to help policymakers and the public manage complex situations.

Wits Vice chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and Professor Rhonda Lenton from York University virtually signed the memorandum on Wednesday night.

Professors Jian-hong Wu from York University and Bruce Mellado from Wits University will co-chair the modelling consortium.

Professor Mellado elaborates on the initiative in the clip below.