In August 2025, a group of graduate students from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology embarked on a transformative academic journey to Deep Learning Indaba 2025, held in Kigali, Rwanda. Hosted by the University of Rwanda, the event served as a continental hub for researchers, industry professionals, and students working at the forefront of artificial intelligence in Africa.

Representing their institution, the students presented cutting-edge research during the Research in Africa Showcase, alongside innovative startups and curated datasets. Their contributions drew attention from peers and experts alike, reflecting the rising quality of AI research emerging from African universities.

The week-long programme featured keynote addresses, technical tutorials, and over a dozen specialized workshops covering key areas such as natural language processing, AI in healthcare, climate resilience, and responsible AI. Notable sessions included “Trust AI: Building Public Awareness and Engagement” and “Human-AI Interaction in the Global Majority,” both emphasizing the ethical and inclusive development of AI technologies.

Participation in the Indaba offered more than academic exposure—it provided access to a growing network of pan-African collaboration. The theme, “Urunana – Hand in Hand for AI in Africa,” underscored the event’s commitment to building shared capacity across borders.

Inspired by the experience, the team has since taken steps to organize a local IndabaX event to share knowledge and expand community engagement within their university and beyond. This local initiative aligns with the Indaba’s mission to decentralize AI education and empower local talent.

As the African AI community looks ahead to Deep Learning Indaba 2026 in Nigeria, this story stands as a testament to the role of young researchers in shaping a future where African-led innovation addresses the continent’s unique challenges through ethical, relevant, and impactful AI solutions.