The exchange formed part of the Digital Ubuntu: Cybersecurity / AI Seminars programme, an initiative supported by Google.org, said Dr Bukelwa Ngoqo, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering at Nelson Mandela University and co-organiser of the event.
In her opening address, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, commended the collaboration between the universities.
She said it was encouraging to see that the Memorandum of Understanding developing into a productive partnership with tangible projects.
Dr Palesa Mothapo, Mandela University Director of Research Support and Management, highlighted the value of cross-continental academic alliances, stating that sharing resources and building on the distinct strengths of African institutions create opportunities for both staff and students.
The dialogue commenced with a focus on practical technical skills. Mandela University students led with a cybersecurity workshop, demonstrating specialised tools for network scanning and ethical hacking.
The afternoon featured a panel discussion, where Mandela University students Mivuyo Xinidlu, Luthando Lwana, Kutlwano Modise and Katlego Molotsi, alongside four counterparts from the University of Ghana.
Using the newly released July 2026 United Nations Preliminary Report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI as a baseline, the panel debated the societal impact of rapidly evolving AI capabilities.
The discussion examined its influence on reshaping education, economies, human rights, and equity, encouraging students to engage with evidence-based perspectives on technological governance.
On the second day the event's co-organisers, Dr Ngoqo and Prof Samuel Kwofie of the University of Ghana presented lectures. As project lead for the Digital Ubuntu: Cybersecurity / AI Seminars, Dr Ngoqo explored the ethical and human dimensions of technology, showing how the African principle of Ubuntu can be integrated into human-AI relationships.
"African AI implementation challenges will be addressed through transdisciplinary collaboration between different stakeholders," Dr Ngoqo said. "It is encouraging to see private sector companies like Google supporting initiatives ensuring that marginalised communities are not left behind."
Prof Kwofie highlighted the expanding role of AI in healthcare, presenting biomedical and technological projects developed by students at their university's Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
Complementing the academic programme, the delegation explored Ghana's cultural and political history, including a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where students reflected on Africa’s history from a West African perspective.
Participants described the exchange as both professionally and personally enriching. Student delegate Lisakhanya Sinyaza said the programme gave him the opportunity to share his views while having his assumptions constructively challenged.
Mivuyo Xinindlu said his first international trip became an invaluable experience marked by cultural exchange and lasting professional connections.
Summing up the experience, Azenati expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience Ghanaian culture and see how shared cybersecurity and AI concepts are understood and applied in a different regional context.