OPIT launches online Doctorate in AI targeting Africa’s tech leaders
The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) has announced the introduction of a fully online Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence, a move aimed at addressing the growing demand for advanced digital leadership across Africa’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
The Level 8 programme, which is scheduled to commence in September 2026, has been designed to equip professionals with the skills to apply artificial intelligence solutions to real-world challenges across sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, education and public policy. Organisers say the initiative reflects a shift from purely academic research to more practical, impact-driven learning.
Unlike conventional doctoral programmes, the OPIT doctorate focuses on applied research, enabling participants to integrate artificial intelligence into organisational decision-making and innovation processes. The institution said assessment would not only measure academic depth but also the tangible value of research outcomes in professional settings.
Rector of OPIT, Francesco Profumo, noted that the pace of technological change requires continuous learning, stressing that modern education must evolve to prepare professionals to lead both technological and societal transformation.
The programme is targeted at executives, managers, academics and researchers seeking to translate artificial intelligence capabilities into practical applications. According to OPIT founder Riccardo Ocleppo, demand for such expertise is rising across key African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Cameroon, where digital ecosystems are expanding rapidly.
He said the doctorate was developed to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and leadership, offering a flexible pathway for working professionals to upgrade their expertise without interrupting their careers.
Applicants are required to hold a master’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics discipline, although candidates from other fields may qualify with relevant professional experience in areas where artificial intelligence plays a significant role. The programme also offers an intermediate exit option, allowing participants to obtain a Master of Philosophy in Applied Artificial Intelligence after the second year.
Programme Head, Lorenzo Livi, emphasised that the core objective is to train professionals who can deploy artificial intelligence responsibly while driving innovation and sustainable growth within organisations.
OPIT, which is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority under European qualification frameworks, said applications for the inaugural cohort are now open, positioning the programme as part of a broader effort to build capacity for Africa’s digital transformation.