Call for Papers: Deep Learning Indaba 2025

Deep Learning Indaba  2025 is committed to showcasing and amplifying the best AI research from Africa. Over the years, we have cultivated a vibrant research community through poster sessions and, more recently, short papers. This year, we are taking a bold step forward—expanding our research track to include full-length, indexed papers, ensuring that high-quality African AI research receives the global visibility and academic recognition it deserves.

In previous years, submitting a paper required prior acceptance as an Indaba attendee. However, for DLI 2025, the research track is now one of the pathways to attending the Indaba. This means that anyone can submit a paper, regardless of their application or  acceptance status for the main event. That said, only one author per accepted paper will receive an attendance pass (at no cost) to the Indaba, and priority will be given to African researchers or those based in Africa.  All accepted papers will be required to present a poster, however, selected papers will also have oral presentations.

We invite researchers to submit their most substantial, original, and impactful work in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI, particularly those that address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. Accepted papers will be presented at the Research in Africa Showcase, providing a platform for engagement with leading AI scholars, industry experts, and policymakers.

All submissions must be done through OpenReview. Apply before May 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM AoE.

Submission Topics

For DLI 2025, we focus on advancing AI research and applications that address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. AI has the potential to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and create sustainable solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance. We encourage submissions that explore both fundamental AI research and impactful real-world applications that contribute to Africa’s technological progress. 

We invite submissions on all aspects of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Machine Learning & Deep Learning – Algorithm development, optimization, and novel architectures.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) – Language models, multilingual NLP, and advancements in low-resource languages.
  • Computer Vision – Image and video analysis, medical imaging, remote sensing, and generative models.
  • Reinforcement Learning & Multi-Agent Systems – Decision-making, planning, and autonomous systems.
  • AI for Social Good – AI Applications in healthcare, finance, education, agriculture, and sustainability.
  • Privacy-preserving and Trustworthy AI – Secure model training / inference; fairness, transparency /explainable AI (xAI), novel attacks and defenses.

We welcome both theoretical and applied research, and while addressing African challenges is encouraged, it is not a requirement for submission.

Submission Guidelines and Instructions

All submissions must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Eligibility: At least one author must be an African researcher or a researcher based in Africa. 
  • Length: Papers must be a maximum of 8 pages, excluding references. Accepted papers will be granted 2 additional pages (up to 10 pages) to address reviewer feedback.
  • Formatting: Papers must follow the Proceedings of Machine Learning Research (PMLR) style templates available here.
  • Submission Platform: All papers must be submitted via OpenReview. Submissions by email or other mechanisms will not be accepted. Authors without an OpenReview account should register early, as account approval may take up to two weeks.
  • Review Process: Submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review, and authors must anonymize their manuscripts accordingly.
  • Originality: Papers must present original, unpublished work that has not been accepted or under review at another venue.
  • Ethics and Limitations: Authors should discuss ethical considerations and limitations where applicable.
  • Language: All submissions must be in English.
  • Format: Papers must be submitted in PDF format.

Important Dates

Authors should take note of the following key deadlines:

  • Paper Submission Deadline: May 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM AoE
  • Notification of Acceptance/Rejection: June 20, 2025
  • Camera-Ready Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025
  • Conference Dates: Between August 17-22, 2025
  • Registration Details: For accepted papers, one author of the paper will be invited to attend the Indaba with no registration fees. Accommodation in a shared dorm is available upon request, but unfortunately the Indaba will not be able to sponsor travel to Kigali

All deadlines are strictly enforced, and no extensions will be granted. Authors are strongly encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute issues with the submission system.

Pre-Submission Mentorship Programme

To support authors in preparing high-quality submissions, Deep Learning Indaba offers a pre-submission mentorship programme to improve the robustness of experiment design, as well as the quality of writing and presentation. Participation is optional but strongly encouraged, especially for first-time authors.

Even if you do not participate in pre-submission mentoring, you can still submit your paper to DLI 2025.

Statement on AI tools usage

AI tools may be used as assistive tools in research and writing, but authors and reviewers are fully responsible for their submissions and reviews.

  • Originality & Integrity: All content must be original, and AI-generated text must not include fabricated or plagiarized material.
  • Accountability: Low-quality submissions or reviews that appear heavily AI-generated will be reviewed for compliance with scientific standards.
  • Authorship: AI tools cannot be listed as authors—only humans who have made meaningful contributions to the research.
  • Policy Updates: This policy will be updated as needed to reflect the evolving role of AI in scientific research.

By submitting to DLI 2025, authors and reviewers agree to follow these guidelines.

Contact Information 

For any questions regarding paper submissions, please reach out to the Publications Committee:

Email: publications@deeplearningindaba.com

Key Contacts:

  • Publications Chair: Albert Njoroge Kahira
  • Program Chairs: Hatem Haddad, Sofia Bourhim, Iyiola Emmanuel Olatunji, Lesego Makhafola, Christine Mwase

For updates and further details, check our FAQs section on Publications.