The Deep Learning Indaba 2026

Our next annual Indaba will take place in Nigeria! Stay tuned and follow us on social media to catch all updates ! 

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Deep Learning Indaba 2026

Sovereign Intelligence. African Scale

The Deep Learning Indaba is a collective promise that African talent will not stand at the periphery of global AI, but at the center of its creation. It is a living, growing expression of what our continent builds when given space, trust, and community.

In 2026, as the world races toward AGI, we turn our focus to Sovereign Intelligence: the ability for Africa to build, steward, and understand its own systems, its own data, and its own scientific direction.

As Wole Soyinka reminds us,
“A tiger does not proclaim its tigritude; it pounces.”

Nigeria 2026

Nigeria represents scale, imagination, and a fearless belief in what is possible. Join us, along with other students, faculty, industry practitioners, and entrepreneurs as we shape the future of African AI.

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Attendees

African Countries

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How to be Part of the Deep Learning Indaba ?

General Delegate

Applications will open soon.

Enter a registration ticket lottery (paid) or apply for financial aid. 

Workshops

Apply Now – Deadline 10 March

Submit a proposal to host a workshop at the Deep Learning Indaba. 

Tutorials

Apply Now – Deadline 8 March

Submit a proposal to be a speaker at a tutorial or skills session.

Publications

Applications will open soon.

Submit your paper to the Indaba Publications track and stand a chance to be invited to present your work at the Indaba.

Agenda

 A Sneak Peak into Programme

The Deep Learning Indaba 2025 programme will feature an exciting mix of keynotes, tutorials, workshops, practical sessions, research presentations, and community discussions — all designed to showcase the depth and diversity of African machine learning and to strengthen our AI community. The full schedule is being finalised and will be shared soon!

2025 Programme
2025 Recordings

What to Expect

The Indaba Experience

Learn from Industry and Academic Experts

Mentorship that Inspires Growth

Engaging Experiences Beyond the Sessions

Network with Africa’s AI Community

Connect with Global Sponsors and Partners

Present and Share Your Research

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 DLI 2026

Join us our Sponsors Community

The Indaba is actively seeking sponsorship to make the next gathering a success. By supporting the Deep Learning Indaba, you help grow the African AI and machine learning community, advance the AI ecosystem, and make a meaningful contribution to global diversity and inclusion in the field of AI.

We welcome partners who share our vision of an inclusive and thriving AI ecosystem. Opportunities are available for organizations of all sizes — from supporting scholarships and travel grants to sponsoring sessions and events.

Be a sponsor
2026 Prospectus

Our 2026 Partners

Hear from our Previous Sponsors

Microsoft is proud to partner with the Deep Learning Indaba as part of our broader commitment to advancing inclusive AI innovation and capacity building across Africa. The Indaba plays a vital role in strengthening the continent’s AI talent pipeline and enabling researchers, creators, and communities to shape the technologies that will define the future of work. The collaboration between the Indaba and Microsoft reflects a shared belief that AI should expand opportunity, support locally relevant innovation, and empower people with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. As Africa undergoes rapid technological transformation, with a young workforce, growing digital infrastructure, and a vibrant research community, the Deep Learning Indaba plays a pivotal role in driving equitable access to AI knowledge and leadership. Partnering with the Indaba aligns with our goals of enabling people, groups, communities and societies everywhere to experience the full benefits of AI.


Microsoft

Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to enhance lives globally, but these benefits are fully achieved only when the technology is widely adopted. Organizations like DLI are playing a major role to accelerate AI diffusion across Africa by bringing practitioners together and fostering collaboration

Gates Foundation

The DLI was an important moment for us to launch Masakhane African Languages Hub in the space where the idea of Masakhane started – a full circle moment. We look forward to continuously being part of DLI to ensure the growth of the community.

Masakhane AI Hub

The Deep Learning Indaba was a unique opportunity to engage closely with those leading the way in ML research and development across the continent – providing invaluable insights for how we can ensure our work is responsive to the needs and priorities of this ecosystem.

Askya Investment Partners

The experience as a sponsor offered meaningful engagement with the African AI community and sparked valuable discussions around inclusive AI, especially in connection with our community initiative, Dvoice. The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. What stood out most was the shared commitment to advancing inclusive AI and ensuring that innovation reflects the richness of African cultures and languages. We believe this collaboration plays an important role in strengthening the ecosystem, and we are grateful to be part of it.

ToumAI

The experience as a sponsor offered meaningful engagement with the African AI community and sparked valuable discussions around inclusive AI, especially in connection with our community initiative, Dvoice. The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. What stood out most was the shared commitment to advancing inclusive AI and ensuring that innovation reflects the richness of African cultures and languages. We believe this collaboration plays an important role in strengthening the ecosystem, and we are grateful to be part of it.

ToumAI