Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods have become powerful tools for addressing societal challenges in almost all areas of life. This development is fuelled by improved connectivity, increased computational power, and data access. Applications of AI will play an essential role in achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by tackling problems in a multitude of areas, like climate change, food security, education, public health, access to energy and clean water, and, in the areas in the social sciences and humanities, social justice to name a few. While the SDGs and many connected societal challenges are global, the capacity for utilising AI methods and research in AI and Data Science still needs to be improved in Africa. The Cluster aims to strengthen the capabilities for research and postgraduate training in these areas at key universities in Africa and initiate research projects in areas of global relevance.