Africa’s digital evolution is accelerating through increased connectivity, the expansion of mobile infrastructure, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Amidst this transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a catalyst for addressing longstanding socio-economic challenges, fostering innovation, and building resilient digital economies. However, achieving the full potential of AI on the continent requires strategic, inclusive, and context-aware approaches to its development and deployment. Building on the momentum of the inaugural AAIAC 2023 conference, which explored AI’s role in the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, the AfriAI Lab project, formerly known as the AI4D Anglophone Multidisciplinary Research Lab project, continues to provide a platform for meaningful collaboration, capacity building, and applied research across Africa. This second conference is hosted as a continuation of the collaboration between the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), under the umbrella of the African Artificial Intelligence (AfriAI) Lab, in partnership with IEEE and a broad network of regional and international stakeholders. The theme for the 2026 conference, "Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Economy in Africa", reflects a shift from exploratory research to transformative action. It highlights the importance of integrating AI into development frameworks that foster gender equity, ethical governance, and equitable access to AI tools for underserved communities. It also invites dialogue on how AI can be harnessed to support Africa's socio-economic goals, including climate resilience, education, health, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure necessary for building resilient AI ecosystems across the continent. This conference aims not only to showcase research and innovation but also to contribute to the growing body of policy and practice that ensures AI development is deeply rooted in Africa’s needs, values, and aspirations.
The overall objective of the 2nd International Conference on the Advancements of Artificial Intelligence in the African Context (AAIAC 2026), under the theme "Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Economy in Africa," is to explore how AI can be leveraged as a tool for equitable economic transformation across the continent. The conference aims to foster inclusive growth by connecting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share innovations, case studies, and best practices that address Africa’s development priorities. It also aims to enhance the capacity of African institutions to conduct interdisciplinary, responsible, and gender-inclusive AI research and education, while promoting AI solutions that benefit the public good across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, climate resilience, and digital finance.
To explore how AI can be leveraged to support equitable and inclusive economic development across diverse African communities.
To showcase innovations and case studies that demonstrate AI's role in building sustainable digital economies.
To foster discussions on policy, governance, and ethical frameworks that ensure AI benefits reach underserved populations.
To promote interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate AI into agriculture, health, education, and financial sectors for inclusive growth.
To catalyze dialogue on capacity building, gender equity, and digital literacy as key pillars of Africa's AI readiness.
No sessions scheduled for this day.
No sessions scheduled for this day.
