Strengthening AI in Africa

We are a grassroots movement bringing together African AI researchers and practitioners to build the future of AI in Africa.

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Community Members

African Countries

Partners

About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to support and strengthen Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Africa.  We work towards the goal of Africans being not only observers and receivers of the ongoing advances in AI, but active shapers and owners of these technological advances.

Learn our story

Annual Indaba

The Deep Learning Indaba 2026

Indaba is a Zulu and Xhosa word referring to a gathering or conference to discuss important community matters. We are proud to announce that the next annual gathering of the Deep Learning Indaba community is coming to Nigeria in 2026!

Stay tuned for more information! 

See Us In Action

Highlights of the 2024 Annual Indaba

2024 Impact Report

Our mission to Strengthen African AI remains necessary and valued, and our 2024 Impact report shows all the ways in which we execute that mission.

Read The Full Report

Local Events

The IndabaX Programme

The IndabaX is a way to experiment with the ways in which we can strengthen the Machine Learning community, and to allow more people to contribute to the conversation around AI across the continent. An IndabaX event is a locally-organised Indaba that helps spread knowledge and builds capacity in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in individual countries across Africa.

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Featured Programmes

Beyond The Indaba: Year-Round Opportunities

Mentorship Programme

The Ideathon

DLI Awards

Publications

Our Impact

Stories of Change Throughout the Years

Attending the Deep Learning Indaba was a pivotal moment in my journey. Before, I was learning about AI mostly in the corners. The Indaba connected me to a vibrant pan-African community of researchers and practitioners. It wasn’t just about the advanced courses; it was the encouragement from mentors and peers that was truly transformative. This experience gave me the confidence to pursue my own research, knowing I was part of a supportive network dedicated to shaping the future of AI in Africa. The Indaba is more than a conference; it’s a community that inspires and empowers.

Abraham Imani Bahati, AI Engineer

What stood out most was the sense of belonging , seeing so many talented Africans in one space was inspiring and encouraging. The mentorship opportunities and collaborations that started at the Indaba continue to shape my academic and career journey. It reminded me that Africa has both the talent and the drive to contribute meaningfully to the global AI landscape. The Indaba didn’t just help me learn; it motivated me to give back, mentor others, and be part of growing this community.

Ophelia Dankyi

Attending the annual Indaba was a life changing experience for me. It was more than just a conference, it was a community where I got inspired. I had the chance to learn from world class researchers while also connecting with peers from across Africa who share the same passion for advancing AI on the continent. The Indaba gave me knowledge that I could not have accessed on my own, but even more importantly, it gave me confidence. Being part of that space made me realize that African voices and ideas matter in the global conversation on AI. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, and I believe the Indaba is planting seeds that will transform not only individuals like me, but the future of science and technology in Africa.

Selina Kadakwiza, PHD student

The Indaba showed me that Africa doesn’t just need AI. AI needs Africa. Our languages, data, problems, and ways of knowing have so much to offer global machine learning.

Dr Yazid HAMBALLY YACOUBA

Support Us

Help Build The AI Community

Help us strengthen African AI by funding scholarships, programmes, and open learning opportunities. Join us in building an inclusive and thriving ML community.

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