Deep Learning Indaba
| Deep Learning Indaba | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Conference |
| Location | Various |
| Inaugurated | 2017 |
Most recent | 2025 |
Previous event | Deep Learning Indaba 2024 |
Next event | Deep Learning Indaba 2026 |
| Organised by | Local volunteer teams |
| Filing status | Non-profit |
| Website | deeplearningindaba |
The Deep Learning Indaba is an annual conference and educational event that aims to strengthen machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity across Africa. Launched in 2017, it brings together students, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers from across the African continent.[1][2][3][4]
History
[edit]The Deep Learning Indaba began in 2017 at the University of the Witwatersrand with over 300 participants from 23 African countries, offering tutorials in advanced AI topics and featuring notable speakers like Nando de Freitas.[5] In 2018, it expanded to 650 delegates at Stellenbosch University, introducing parallel sessions to encourage collaboration. The 2019 edition in Nairobi, Kenya, reflected further growth, with increasing sponsorship and support from major tech companies like Google and Microsoft.
| Year | Host country | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Wits University |
| 2018 | Stellenbosch, South Africa | Stellenbosch University |
| 2019 | Nairobi, Kenya | Kenyatta University |
| 2020 | Cancelled | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | None | None |
| 2022 | Tunis, Tunisia | Sup’Com |
| 2023 | Accra, Ghana | University of Ghana[6] |
| 2024 | Dakar, Senegal | Amadou Mahtar Mbow University (UAM) |
| 2025 | Kigali, Rwanda | University of Rwanda |
| 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria | Pan-Atlantic University |
Deep Learning IndabaX
[edit]Deep Learning IndabaX is a network of machine learning and artificial intelligence events organized locally in countries across Africa. It is an extension of the annual Deep Learning Indaba. Launched in 2018, the program aims to strengthen local AI communities. It does this by supporting workshops, tutorials, research presentations, and networking opportunities run by volunteers in each country. The initiative has grown from 13 events in its first year to many participating countries across the continent. It helps expand access to AI education and community building beyond the annual[7] conference[8].
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Stories - Wits to host first Deep Learning Indaba in Africa - Wits University".
- ↑ "Go Tsamaya Ke Go Bona: Deep Learning #3 - A journey just beginning | University of Pretoria". Archived from the original on 2025-07-02. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
- ↑ Curto, Georgina; Dignum, Frank; Tadesse, Girmaw Abebe; Bhoopchand, Avishkar; Makhanya, Sibusisiwe; Marivate, Vukosi; Ruttkamp-Bloem, Emma (May 21, 2025). "Africa leading the global effort for AI that works for all". Nature Africa. doi:10.1038/d44148-025-00141-1 – via www.nature.com.
- ↑ Abdullahi Tsanni, SM ’23archive page. "What Africa needs to do to become a major AI player". MIT Technology Review.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Engelbrecht, Herman (2018). "The deep learning Indaba report". ACM SIGMultimedia Records. 9 (3): 5. doi:10.1145/3178422.3178427.
- ↑ "Deep-learning-indaba/Indaba-pracs-2023". GitHub.
- ↑ "IndabaX". Deep Learning Indaba 2025. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- ↑ "The Deep Learning Indaba Report – ACM SIGMM Records". 2017-12-20. Retrieved 2026-06-22.