Wits takes quantum leap for Africa’s 4IR aspirations

Africa must participate collectively as a continent and not miss out on the potential of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), warned Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, deputy vice-chancellor for research and postgraduate affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa.

“As a continent and developing world, Africans have missed out on the first, second and third revolutions, which is why we must make sure we don’t miss out on the 4IR,” he said, adding that Wits University is determined to lead the way on the current technological wave.

Using the Apple watch as an example, Vilakazi said it measures the steps you take, and if you are connected to the phone, the device knows your entire profile through facial recognition. “It has given us a new understanding of data. Data becomes everything. This is the 4IR, which has already changed the way we relate and interact. We cannot be passive players … [we] must play a role in knowledge production, ensuring we become drivers, not passengers,” he said.

Focal research hub for Africa

As the first African partner on the IBM Quantum Computing (IBM Q) Network, Vilakazi told University World News Wits plans to become the focal research hub for academics across South Africa and for the 16 universities belonging to the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

Scholars from Wits and ARUA institutions* will be able to conduct research using a 20-qubit IBM Q quantum computer with advanced quantum computing systems and software for teaching quantum information science and exploring early applications.

The latest collaboration between Wits and IBM Research raises to a new level a partnership forged in 2016 – when IBM opened its second lab in Africa at the Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct.

“To expand the IBM Q Network to include Wits will drive innovation in frontier technologies and benefit African-based researchers, academics and students who now have access to decades of quantum computing capabilities at the click of a button,” said Vilakazi.

He said putting resources into the study of quantum technologies can help leverage the next level of discovery research to tackle the challenging problems.

Technologies such as enhanced medical imaging, efficient light harvesting materials (clean energy) and secure optical communication networks (cybersecurity) have led to the development of exponentially faster computers (quantum computers) which are integrated with technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and are considered a core security component of devices that will drive the 4IR, he said.

Quantum computing

Quantum computing is focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature and behaviour of energy and matter on the quantum level.

Asked to explain quantum computing to a lay person, Vilakazi said in your cellphone you have billions of transistors which are much more powerful than the computer that put man on the moon. “The more you compress, the more electrons become closer, and that’s why you can see the quantum effect.

“Basic architecture at the heart of a computer is a microchip, transistors that go on and off, like Morse code, allowing us to harness the power of computing – these binary codes, 1 and 0. Binary code allows us to produce numbers no normal numbers can reach, and write languages using software that machines can produce at a faster pace,” he said.

Referring to Moore's Law, Vilakazi said the effects of this prediction, which states that the overall processing power for computers will double every two years, is rapidly coming to fruition.

Researchers at Wits will also use quantum computing and machine learning in cosmology and molecular biology, with a specific focus on HIV drug discovery – echoing Vilakazi’s pledge to use technology to address societal challenges.

“Having access to IBM Q is pivotal for Wits University’s cross-disciplinary research programme and allows our researchers in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and in the broad natural sciences, including in laser technology, quantum optics and molecular design, to leverage the next level of discovery research. It’s envisioned that the first results from this collaboration will be forthcoming in the next two years,” said Vilakazi.

* ARUA member universities include: Addis Ababa University; University of Ghana; University of Nairobi; University of Lagos; University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University lle-Ife; University of Rwanda; University Cheikh Anta Diop; University of Cape Town; University of KwaZulu-Natal; University of Pretoria; Rhodes University; University of Stellenbosch; University of the Witwatersrand; University of Dar es Salaam and Makerere University.