On June 12, 2019, IBM announced the expansion of its quantum computing program to Africa through a partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in South Africa. Under the arrangement, the University of Nairobi and 14 other universities in the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) gained the opportunity to apply for cloud-based access to IBM’s quantum computing systems through the IBM Q Network.
Wits University became the first African academic partner on the IBM Q Network and served as the gateway institution for ARUA member universities across nine countries, including Kenya. According to IBM, ARUA scholars seeking access to the IBM Q quantum cloud service were required to submit research proposals to a scientific committee of Wits and IBM experts for approval.
Dr. Solomon Assefa, Vice President of Emerging Market Solutions and Director of IBM Research Africa, stated that getting the next generation of students quantum ready was essential for Africa to remain competitive. IBM Research had maintained a facility in Nairobi since 2013, and the quantum network expansion represented an extension of its decade-long presence on the continent.