Ubuntu Meets AI: AMLD Africa Hosts Its Most Ambitious Edition Yet at Wits Universit

Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) Africa (https://MLAfrica.org) returns with its most ambitious edition to date, hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg. Over four days, the continent’s AI ecosystem will converge in South Africa’s economic hub, bringing together leading researchers, industry experts, policymakers, startups and emerging talent from across Africa and around the world.

AMLD Africa has established itself as a premier platform for advancing applied AI on the continent, showcasing Africa’s growing depth of expertise, innovation and leadership in the field. This edition will reflect the full spectrum of the AI community, from globally recognised researchers and technology leaders to grassroots innovators and student-led initiatives shaping Africa’s digital future.

The conference builds on a strong legacy of excellence. Previous editions have featured influential voices such as Yoshua Bengio, widely regarded as the “Godfather of AI,” Karim Beguir, co-founder of InstaDeep, and senior executives from organisations including Oracle, IBM, OCP, Novartis and EUCO. The 2024 edition, hosted at USIU Africa in Nairobi, attracted more than 1,600 participants and featured high-profile speakers including Prof. Annie Hartley, MD, Darlington Akogo, and Vukosi Marivate.

World-Class Speaker Line-Up

The 2026 edition will feature a distinguished roster of keynote speakers, including:

• Priya Donti, TimeAI 100

• Tom Lawry, former Microsoft Director and best-selling author

• Jade Abbott, Chief Technology Officer, LelapaAI

• Kabelo Makwane, Country Director, Google South Africa

• Samuel Segun, Senior Researcher, Global Center on AI Governance

They will be joined by prominent academic and industry leaders such as Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General; Prof. Benjamin Rosman, named in TIME’s AI 100; Dr. Lily Paemka, Deputy Director at WAGMC; and Dr. Mihir Patel, MD and Chief Visionary Officer at Ospitek Inc.

Themes, Innovation and Community

AMLD Africa 2026 will feature thematic tracks spanning Healthcare, Sustainability, Economic Empowerment, Cultural Preservation, Ethics and AI Governance, delivered through keynotes, hands-on workshops and innovation exhibitions. These sessions will highlight African-led solutions and locally grounded applications of AI.

The program will open with a dedicated “Day 0 – Startups and Communities”, spotlighting African startups, grassroots innovators and community-driven AI initiatives, reinforcing AMLD Africa’s commitment to inclusive and bottom-up innovation.

More than a conference, AMLD Africa represents a pan-African movement. It celebrates the continent’s diversity of perspectives, cultures and ideas — a space where Ubuntu meets AI, and where Africa’s young talent plays a leading role in shaping a sovereign and globally relevant AI future.

A Pan-African Platform for AI Development

Held annually, AMLD Africa is a community-driven platform committed to building Africa’s AI ecosystem around the principles of openness, inclusion and collaboration. Through its Ambassador Program, AMLD Africa now operates in over 20 African countries, enabling live broadcasts of the conference at more than 20 universities and engaging over 500 participants through local hubs led by students and professors.

The initiative has also launched Node by AMLD, a network of student-led AI clubs across African universities. With active chapters in Zimbabwe, Benin, Nigeria and Madagascar, the initiative is rapidly expanding, fostering local innovation, skills development and cross-border collaboration.

Partners and Supporters

AMLD Africa is supported by a strong network of global and regional partners, including:

• Google (Gold Sponsor)

• Schmidt Sciences (Gold Sponsor)

• Swiss Embassy in South Africa (Silver Sponsor)

• Digital Umuganda (Silver Sponsor)

• Masakhane Language Hub (Silver Sponsor)

• Turkish Airlines (Official Travel Partner)

The conference is also supported by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) through its Excellence in Africa (EXAF) Lab, reinforcing the event’s academic and research foundation.