With a good enough model, could we throw the bones and predict the impact of the Deep Learning Indaba on ourselves, and on the continent? Rarely, with the benefit of hindsight, there is a moment that stands out as wildly impactful. For me, attending the Deep Learning Indaba (DLI) in 2022 was one of those […]

Dear Indaba Community, As I reflect on my journey, from a fresh engineering graduate with a new interest in machine learning, to my first exposure to research during my MPhil in Cambridge, and now as a Google DeepMind researcher with a PhD in machine learning, I’m struck by the large role that the Indaba has […]

The Deep Learning Indaba’s aim is geared towards fostering and strengthening the machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) community across Africa. Since our inception in 2017, the annual gathering (the Indaba) has served as a platform for African researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts to come together, share knowledge, and advance AI on the African continent. The […]

Ubuntu is ubiquitous for me as an African, and an avid Linux user. Broadly a philosophy of humanity and connectedness [1],  I often see the term used as a self-evident truth or mantra of appreciation for a community. Yet, for this cherished and connected Indaba community, I want to reach beyond appreciation and attempt a […]

This year’s gathering in Dakar was electrifying, inspiring, and filled us all with hope for the future of AI in Africa. I am still buzzing from it. Through the Deep Learning Indaba, we have collectively created a thriving community of AI researchers, builders, and practitioners. The growing Indaba community and our gatherings demonstrate that Africa […]

6th September, 2024 Dakar, Senegal The GeoAI for a Sustainable Future in Africa workshop was organised by the GeoAI-Africa community in a collaborative spirit among representatives from diverse organisations such as Microsoft AI for Good Lab, Google Research, and IBM Research. The workshop brought together students, experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the transformative potential […]

The Workshop’s  Vision and the Inaugural Instalment Despite the promising future of robotics and AI, Africa’s footprint in this field remains limited. Access to robotics hardware is a significant hurdle that hinders research and development on the continent. This challenge is reflected in the underrepresentation of African researchers at international robotics conferences. Driven by the […]

Modern neuroscience uses mathematical models and artificial intelligence to understand brain function. AI offers tools that can help us better understand brain processes, and in turn,  studying the brain can lead to more efficient, brain-inspired AI systems  (Badrulhisham et al., 2024; Macpherson et al., 2021). Despite its contributions, Africa accounts for very little of global […]

There’s a principle in the hindu traditions called the 3 gunas. These are three phases which we are thought to enter on periodic cycles across varying timespans. I’ll start with my interpretation of sattwa. This guna (or force) represents inspiration and creativity. It is a time when ideas are by the bounty and our will […]

The drum beats as we count the days until we reunite in Dakar, Senegal for the 6th Deep Learning Indaba. A gathering of minds and spirits that will take us one step further along our journey – a journey of inclusion, of community, and of AI researchers and practitioners galvanising across the African continent. As […]

Over the years I have been able to witness the power of building together through the incredible work that is achieved by the organisers and sponsors of the Deep Learning Indaba. The planning of the conference takes less than one year, with each team working to place a block towards achieving milestones and working together […]

2019 was my first attendance at the Deep Learning Indaba (DLI) following the organisation of the first IndabaX event in Senegal that same year. I was so excited to be going to the Nairobi airport, full of enthusiasm at the idea of meeting enthusiasts and experts in the field of artificial intelligence. This field, which […]

One of the most important awards at Deep Learning Indaba is the Maathai Impact Award. This award, rightfully honours Prof. Wangari Maathai, and encourages and recognises work by African innovators that shows impactful application of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. For Kenyans, Wangari Maathai is not just the Nobel Peace Prize winner, she is the […]

We are releasing our annual report that provides a high-level overview of the work of the Indaba over 2023. We share this as a record of the work of the Indaba, as a form of accountability to our beneficiaries and donors, and as a source of lessons for other organisations like ours. Please read and […]

My name is Aya Salama. Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of being involved with the Indaba community, starting when I first applied to host an IndabaX in Egypt. Throughout the years, I’ve contributed to various committees including the IndabaX Steering Committee, Programme Committee, and Applications and Selections Committee, and I’ve even dabbled in sponsorship […]