Keith Straughan appointed professor of global entrepreneurship and digital technology at CMU-Africa
Carnegie Mellon University Africa has named Keith Straughan to a new academic role aimed at expanding innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), a Kigali-based campus of Carnegie Mellon University, has appointed Keith Straughan as professor of global entrepreneurship and digital technology, effective June 1.
The institution offers graduate-level education in technology and engineering and works to expand Africa’s pool of technical talent through research, education, and industry engagement.
Academic and commercial background
Straughan brings experience across multiple disciplines including physics, medicine, and theology. He began his career in medical imaging and contributed to the development of the first clinical MRI system. He later joined Imperial College London, where he created diagnostic imaging programs and founded five companies based on his academic work.
He has also held senior academic positions at the University of Cambridge, serving as chief academic officer of one of its constituent colleges. Straughan subsequently led the establishment of a new university in Milton Keynes and later moved into consulting, with a focus on innovation and leadership. In 2024, he launched a Kigali-based subsidiary of his consulting firm to support work with public and private sector partners in Africa.
Supporting innovation across the continent
In his new position, Straughan will focus on enhancing entrepreneurship and digital technology education across the region, working with students and external collaborators.
Conrad Tucker, director of CMU-Africa, comments: "We are thrilled to welcome Professor Keith Straughan to CMU-Africa. His unique blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial experience will be instrumental in equipping our students with the skills and mindset needed to drive tech-enabled innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa and beyond."
