In 2024, we will be gathering in Dakar, Senegal for the sixth annual Deep Learning Indaba. While there will be many announcements to follow with more information about the event and the application process, we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the Indaba’s journey and look to the future.
A Milestone Year: 2023 in Review
2023 marked a pivotal year for the Deep Learning Indaba as a year of significant achievements. We are excited to announce that we have officially become a registered charity, a move that aligns perfectly with our core mission to foster education and research in the field of machine learning. As Africa’s premier machine learning event, we closed the loop for our pan-African aspiration in Accra Ghana, reaching all four corners of the continent. In 2023, we not only consolidated our teams and workstreams, but also infused innovation into the attendee experience, enhancing the overall impact and engagement of the event.
Celebrating Five Years of Innovation and Growth
2023 also marked the 5th annual Indaba, a turning point in our history. It was a time for reflection, a moment to take stock of what was once a radical dream and to project our vision forward, not just in years but in decades.
Deep Learning Indaba 2024: A New Chapter of Maturity
Looking ahead to 2024, the Deep Learning Indaba is set to embark on a new chapter, one characterised by maturity and a deeper commitment to our mission. Our focus will be on honing research talent and expertise, delivering a sophisticated and enriching programme, and strengthening our partnerships to create mutually beneficial opportunities. We will also take time to celebrate our collective successes, acknowledging the contributions of our community.
Why are we excited about the Indaba being held in Senegal?
Senegal is the epicentre of a strong AI ecosystem, with one of the most active IndabaX communities on the continent. This AI ecosystem is strengthened by strong partnerships with local communities and partner institutions, such as GalsenAI, AI Hub Senegal as well as the Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow, Université Numérique Cheikh Hamidou Kane and AIMS Senegal. Importantly, given our successful experiment in striving for the Indaba to become multilingual, we thought it best to double down and revisit a francophone country to pursue this goal. The government of Senegal has also recently validated and started to implement the national AI strategy which is a big step forward towards developing and strengthening the local AI ecosystem. All these factors position Senegal to be an excellent choice as the host country of the Deep Learning Indaba 2024.
We eagerly anticipate your participation and cannot wait to see you in Dakar for what promises to be an unforgettable event!
-2024 General Chairs: Emily Muller, Daouda Tandiang Djiba and Elizabeth Benson
