Applications

Applications

Join The Indaba

The Deep Learning Indaba annual event is the gathering of Africa’s artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) community. Each year, hundreds of researchers, students, and practitioners come together to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and strengthen machine learning in Africa.

Applications are open to anyone passionate about AI and its impact on the continent, from newcomers and students to established professionals and researchers.

Whether you’re advancing your research, exploring a new field, or seeking to connect with others working on African AI, the Indaba is your space to learn, share, and grow.

Who Can Apply

Who are we looking for 

Participants are selected from across the African continent, and elsewhere, and are exposed to the world’s leaders in the area of AI, to build networks for future research and innovation, and are given the opportunity to showcase their own work.
We welcome applications from: 

    • Students (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD) interested in machine learning, data science, or AI
    • Researchers working in academia or industry
    • Professionals and entrepreneurs applying AI in their work or startups
    • Educators and mentors strengthening AI capacity in their communities
    • Community builders leading AI or data science initiatives in their regions

The Indaba strives for diversity across countries, backgrounds, gender, and experience levels — to ensure that every voice contributes to Africa’s AI story.

The Application Process

What to Expect in the Applications Process

Application Form:

Submit an online application form consisting of 5 sections: Demographics, Financial Support, Tell Us a Bit About You, Previous Attendance and Additional Information. 

Review Process:

Applications are reviewed by members of our applications committee. 

Selection & Notification:

All applicants will be informed of their status once the review process is complete. Notifications will be sent out in batches. 

Define Your Needs

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone who is student or early career academic researcher, industry, NGO or public sector, academic faculty, and unemployed are eligible to apply.

Can I just pay to attend or do I still need to apply?

All attendees of the Indaba must apply and be selected, irrespective of category or registration fee status. We don’t sell general tickets to attend. This is to ensure fairness because the demand to attend is far higher than the number of spots available.

Is there a possibility to apply for travel funding?

To be eligible for our travel and accommodation, and fee registration waiver, you have to fill the application form and complete the travel section. Unfortunately, we have limited funds and can not offer travel grants to all accepted applicants that need one. So it is important to start searching for alternative avenues for travel grants. Please check with your supervisors to see if they are able to sponsor you to the Indaba.

What are the registration fees?

The registration fee for this year’s Indaba will be shared soon. Unlike previous years, the registration fee is not free for students by default. You have to apply for it in order to be considered for the fee waiver.

I have uploaded my CV and provided links to my work (github, google scholars etc), can that be enough to get me accepted?

No. First, please note that your CV is optional and will not be shared with our reviewers during the reviewing process. Second, the extra links you provide violate our anonymity policy and the reviewers may not review them. Your application will depend heavily and entirely on the answers/essays you provide.

I am interested in deep learning indaba, but I am not up to 18 yrs old. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, you have to be 18 years and above to be eligible to apply for the Indaba. The Indaba is a yearly gathering, so don’t worry, you can join us once you are 18 🙂

Can we apply for travel grants if we are students outside Africa?

Unfortunately, travel grants are only available to people living and schooling in Africa.

Ask Your Question

applications@deeplearningindaba.com