Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) Africa (https://MLAfrica.org) returns to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg with its most ambitious edition yet.
The continent’s AI community gathers in Johannesburg for four days, bringing together top AI talent from across the continent and around the world. AMLD Africa will showcase the breadth of Africa’s AI ecosystem, from world-class researchers and young talent to industry pioneers.
This edition continues the outstanding legacy built by previous speakers. joshua benzio (Godfather of AI), Karim Begil (Co-Founder, InstaDeep);The 2024 edition, held at USIU Africa in Nairobi, attracted over 1,600 attendees, with outstanding speakers including Professor Annie Hartley, MD, Darlington Akogo, and Vukosi Maribate.
Keynotes confirmed for this edition include:
- Priya Donti (TimeAI 100),
- Tom Rowley (former director of Microsoft and best-selling author)
- Jade Abbott (CTO, LelapaAI),
- Kabelo Makwane (Google South Africa Country Director), and
- Samuel Segun (Senior Research Fellow, Global Center for AI Governance).
Joining the lineup of notable speakers are: Professor Tsirizi MarwalaRector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Professor Benjamin Rothmanfeatured on TIME magazine’s AI 100 list. Dr. Lily PaemkaDeputy Director of WAGMC. and Dr. Mihir Patel, Doctor of MedicineChief Visionary Officer of Ospitek Inc.
The 2026 edition will feature tracks with a variety of themes. Healthcare, Sustainability, Economic Empowerment, Cultural Preservation, Ethicsand governancewill host keynotes, workshops and exhibitions to highlight local innovation. The AMLD Africa 2026 trailer can be viewed here: https://apo-opa.co/4sI8hKv.
This year’s program begins with a dedicated “.Day 0 – Startups and Communityspotlighting local innovators and grassroots AI communities across the continent.
AMLD Africa celebrates the continent’s diversity, not only in geography but also in ideas, voices and vision. From north to south, east to west, here Ubuntu meets AI: A space where local realities inspire global solutions and young African talent joins hands to lead the way in shaping the future of sovereignty.
Conferences, Communities and the Pan-African Movement
AMLD Africa is an annual gathering. This is a platform for building Africa’s AI future, based on the belief that AI should be free, inclusive, and community-driven.
Rooted in the ethos of “Think Global, Act Local”, the AMLD Africa Ambassador Program currently spans over 20 African countries. This year, more than 20 universities will be enhancing their live conference broadcasts with more than 500 attendees in local hubs. These student- and faculty-led satellite events expand AMLD Africa’s reach beyond South Africa.
AMLD Africa was recently launchedNodes by AMLD, A new initiative to establish student-led AI clubs across African universities. If there is already an active chapter Zimbabwe, Benin, Nigeria, and madagascarnetworks are rapidly expanding, creating local spaces for innovation, collaboration, and community building.
Partners & Supporters
AMLD Africa proudly announces support from:
- Google (Gold Sponsor)
- Schmidt Sciences (Gold Sponsor)
- Swiss Embassy in South Africa (Silver Sponsor)
- Digital Umuganda (Silver Sponsor)
- Masahane Language Hub (Silver Sponsor)
- Turkish Airlines (Travel Partner)
AMLD Africa is also supported by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) through its Excellence in Africa (EXAF) lab.
join the movement
AMLD Africa is perfect for businesses looking to connect with AI talent, policymakers shaping the digital future, or students passionate about machine learning.
Join us and together we will shape the future of AI in Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AMLD Africa.
