African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centers of excellence for training, research, and public engagement in mathematical sciences. Established in 2003 in South Africa, AIMS has grown to six centers in Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, and Rwanda. The institute is committed to educating and guiding the upcoming generation of African mathematicians, scientists, and researchers. AIMS programs emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary teamwork and using mathematical sciences to tackle practical, real-world issues.

AIMS offers advanced training in mathematical sciences through its master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral programs to students from across Africa. The institute is dedicated to nurturing scientific talent, encouraging global collaboration, and advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), making it an essential player in Africa’s academic and scientific spheres. So far, AIMS has educated over 3,000 master’s graduates (34% women) from 45 African countries. More than 70% of these graduates have stayed in Africa, contributing to the continent’s education, research, and entrepreneurship growth.

AIMS ranks among the top 20 African academic institutions for influential research, as recognized by the Nature Index list. The network, comprising over 100 researchers, is instrumental in producing high-caliber research addressing developmental challenges in Africa. Each AIMS center is involved in significant, interdisciplinary research initiatives led by renowned Research Chairs. The institute boasts an impressive record of over 600 publications in leading academic journals, marking one of Africa’s highest research outputs per capita. AIMS researchers have explored over 1200 research subjects and filed 210 patent applications. Additionally, AIMS is a key member of the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, an initiative hosted by the University of Toronto and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, collaborating with seven other African Partner Institutions.

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Prof. Sam Yala

sam.yala@aims.ac.rw

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Our Scholars

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Photo of Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of Toronto

Photo of Seidu Tahiru

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of Toronto

Meet the Team

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Photo of Joseph Ndiritu

Director, Programs Delivery and Reporting

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Photo of Charles Mberi Kimpolo

, PhD

Director, Industry Initiative and Head of the Next Einstein Forum

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Photo of Isambi Mbalawata

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Photo of Winnie Nakiyingi

Research Assistant

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Photo of Wilfred Ndifon

, PhD

Professor, Theoretical Biology and Chief Scientific Officer at AIMS

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Programs

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Health Innovation Hub (H2i) @ AIMS

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

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Masters in Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

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News & Events

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Innovative Solutions for Healthcare Challenges: Youth-Driven Ventures Transforming Access to Medical Services in Africa

The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to attend the session of the Health in Africa Series, entitled “Innovative Solutions for Healthcare Challenges: Youth Driven Ventures Transforming Access to Medical Services in Africa”. This session will feature Pauline Gethi, founder of DoctorsLive, and Nomboh Evans Kunchu, founder of Moto, who will share their entrepreneurial journeys and showcase youth-led Health Entrepreneurship Ventures.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day, women Scholars from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology University (KNUST) celebrate the incredible women diligently working within the Health Collaborative to impact lives.

Health in Africa Series – Stinking Toilets, Civilized Users: Towards a Function-Based Indicator of Progress on Sanitation in Informal Settlements

The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to attend the session of the Health in Africa Series, entitled “Stinking Toilets, Civilized Users: Towards a Function-Based Indicator of Progress on Sanitation in Informal Settlements”, presented by Kwame Norvixoxo, a Faculty member, Chair of the Research and Ethics Committee and Project Manager for the African Leadership University Health Collaborative project.

Health in Africa Series: Gold or Health? Ghana’s Environment Under Seige

The University of Toronto is pleased to invite you to attend the session of the Health in Africa Series, entitled “Gold or Health? Ghana’s environment under siege”, presented by Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, a Public Health Physician, Consultant Research Scientist, and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

2023 Annual Convening in Cape Town, South Africa

The University of Cape Town (UCT) proudly hosted the inaugural Health Collaborative Convening from October 15th to 17th, 2023, at the scenic Protea Hotel by Marriott, Waterfront Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town, South Africa.

2022 U of T & Africa Summit

In June 2022, the university hosted a two-day summit that brought together representatives from the Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, and other organizations to discuss ideas for partnerships that address some of the most important issues facing Africa and Canada.

Partner
Profile

Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

I’m Paul Agbekpornu from Ghana. At the moment, I am pursuing a master’s in financial insurance at the University of Toronto.

After completing risk theory research addressing the pricing of insurance and reinsurance products, I was apprehensive about pursuing a degree that would complement my research. Fortunately, my desire became a reality thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program, and I am gaining a strong academic curiosity and sense of purpose at UofT. The extensive training, I am receiving in data science is broadening my knowledge and skills in financial insurance. My scholastic career has begun to shift and reshape thanks to the Mastercard Foundation grant.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Profile

Seidu Tahiru

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

My name is Seidu Tahiru from Ghana, with a background in Actuarial Science and Applied Mathematics.

My academic journey centers on Health Informatics and Data Analytics. I am passionate about harnessing advanced analytics to empower clinicians with transformative decision-making tools for the benefit of patients and the healthcare systems.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship has transformed my academic journey, providing me with vital academic guidance, career mentorship, and financial support. This program has cultivated a community of scholars dedicated to positive change in Africa.

I aspire to leverage this opportunity to improve healthcare systems, particularly in Ghana, and contribute to a healthier future for all.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Master of Health informatics Executive (EMHI)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Profile

Joseph Ndiritu

Director, Programs Delivery and Reporting

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Joseph Machaka Ndiritu is an esteemed Programme Management Professional with a robust 15-year track record in leading transformative programs across diverse socio-economic landscapes.

Currently, he serves as the Director of Programs Delivery and Reporting at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). In this capacity, Joseph manages a variety of programs spanning several African countries, oversees substantial budgets, and leads teams with a broad range of cultural and professional backgrounds to achieve their goals. His experience extends to roles at the African Virtual University (AVU), Heifer International, CARE International, and the Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya, where he refined his expertise in monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, as well as food security and community-centric climate change adaptation strategies.

Joseph possesses a strong academic foundation in economics, leadership, and management, complemented by professional qualifications in instructional design & performance improvement, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. His skill set includes strategic planning, financial management, and proficiency in leading culturally diverse teams. Joseph’s commitment to generating positive change is evident in his impressive accomplishments in program management and fundraising, as well as in the development and deployment of innovative tools that empower communities and foster resilience.

Country
Kenya
Profile

Charles Mberi Kimpolo, PhD

Director, Industry Initiative and Head of the Next Einstein Forum

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Dr. Charles Lebon Mberi Kimpolo is the Director of the Industry Initiative and Head of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) at the Global Network Secretariat of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI).

For the last couple of years, Charles brought strategic oversight and direction to the AIMS Industry Initiative across the Network, with the aim to broaden the scope and breadth of partnerships with industry in Africa and beyond. Charles leads the implementation of Work Integrated Learning programs at AIMS to develop new industry needs-driven capacity development programs and support AIMS graduates in their transition to employment, entrepreneurship and further study. Charles’s dream is to position AIMS-NEI as the industry’s leading academic partner in Africa that achieves industry and economic advancement of the continent. 

Charles is a passionate scientist, technologist and change agent with over 15 years of industry experience in data analysis, business intelligence and project management. Charles’s experience includes teaching and research in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics. He also has hands-on experience in agile software development, delivery and consulting; and client engagement working in Africa, the United States and Asia. Charles holds a Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in South Africa.

Charles has contributed to several global consultations and conferences on the global education industry, in particular. He has authored several blogs and articles to share his perspectives on a number of topics including Work-Integrated Learning as a pathway to stimulate youth transition to employment and entrepreneurship in Africa. Charles is a member of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data. Charles joined a group of global experts to participate in the Programme Committee for the United Nations World Data Forum (UNWDF). He is also a member of the Global Strategy Council of the World Association for Cooperative Education (WACE)

Charles founded the Young African Technologists (YAT) that is aimed at promoting education through technology in underprivileged African communities. During his 2-year stay in India, Charles supported African students through the Knowledge Sharing Campaign (KSC) that he founded to empower the African student diaspora and reverse brain drain. 

Email Address
ckimpolo@nexteinstein.org
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Rwanda
Governance
HEMP Pillar Advisory Commitee
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Isambi Mbalawata

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Email Address
imbalawata@nexteinstein.org
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Rwanda
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee
Profile

Winnie Nakiyingi

Research Assistant

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Winnie Nakiyingi is a master at research and report writing with a specialization in mathematical and statistical processes.

She is an alumna of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), where she currently works as a Research Assistant (Data & Quantum) at the Research and Innovation Center in Kigali, Rwanda. Winnie brings a wealth of experience through data collection, analysis, and report writing plus her passion to contribute to the Standard Development Goals (SDGs). She is a certified researcher through the TRREE Training program in Research Ethics Evaluation. She has also been engaged in humanitarian work through Axiom-DK as a Statistics consultant. Winnie is one of the Science Diplomacy alumni at the United Nations Institute and Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) in Switzerland. More recently, she has been selected as one of the prestigious Women In Africa (WIA) Young Leaders 2023 laureates.

Email Address
wnakiyingi@quantumleapafrica.org
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Rwanda
Governance
HECO Pillar Advisory Committee
Profile

Wilfred Ndifon, PhD

Professor, Theoretical Biology and Chief Scientific Officer at AIMS

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Wilfred Ndifon is Professor of Theoretical Biology and the Chief Scientific Officer at AIMS, a Pan-African network of higher-education institutes dedicated to catalyzing Africa’s socio-economic transformation through advanced training and research in mathematical sciences.

He has made important contributions to a range of topics at the interface of mathematics and biology, including discovering a mechanism that allows flu viruses to escape from antibodies, with significant implications for the design of more effective flu vaccines; a physical mechanism that governs the generation of T-cell diversity via genetic recombination; and a unified mechanistic explanation for the age-old problem of the original antigenic sin. Recently, he led the development of a new mathematical approach to pooled testing, which has produced substantial testing-efficiency gains in field applications conducted in both Rwanda and South Africa. He took his PhD at Princeton.

Email Address
wndifon@nexteinstein.org
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Rwanda
Governance
Executive Steering Committee