Africa’s Biggest Artificial Intelligence Conference Lineup
Africa’s Biggest Artificial Intelligence Conference Lineup
As Africa continues to emerge as a significant player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, the continent is set to host a series of high-profile AI conferences in 2025. These events aim to showcase technological advancements, foster collaboration, and address the unique challenges and opportunities within the African context. Below is an overview of the major AI conferences scheduled for 2025:
1. GITEX Africa 2025
- Dates: April 14–16, 2025
- Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
- Overview: Building on the success of previous editions, GITEX Africa 2025 is poised to be the largest yet, spotlighting the continent’s progress in AI, connectivity, and digital finance. The event anticipates participation from over 400 investors managing $250 billion in assets across more than 35 countries, alongside tech leaders and corporate buyers. Notably, Ericsson has confirmed its participation to showcase AI, connectivity, and sustainable tech solutions supporting Morocco’s Vision 2030 and Africa’s digital future. (en.wikipedia.org)
2. Africa AI Conference 2025
- Dates: August 25–28, 2025
- Location: Mombasa, Kenya
- Theme: “Where Innovation, Ethics, and Opportunity Converge”
- Overview: This conference aims to provide a platform for inclusive dialogue tailored to Africa’s cultural, economic, and social realities. It will bring together technologists, researchers, government officials, and civil society to discuss a uniquely African approach to AI ethics, innovation, and governance. (africa-ai-conference.org)
3. AI Expo Africa 2025
- Dates: October 29–31, 2025
- Location: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Overview: As Africa’s largest AI event, AI Expo Africa 2025 will feature a 10,000 square foot expo hall with over 100 vendors, a four-track speaking program with 72 talks and panels, and 12 CPD-accredited workshops. The event will also host the UN ITU AI4Good Impact Africa Summit, emphasizing AI’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attendees can expect dedicated pavilions for Women in AI, startups, and university R&D, alongside networking sessions and private CxO roundtable briefings. (aiexpoafrica.com)
4. Southern African Conference for Artificial Intelligence Research (SACAIR 2025)
- Dates: December 1–5, 2025
- Location: Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, Century City, Western Cape, South Africa
- Theme: “AI at the Edge: Pushing Boundaries, Powering Possibilities”
- Overview: SACAIR 2025 will explore how AI is being deployed in fast-changing, resource-constrained, and high-impact environments. The conference will offer five main tracks: Algorithmic and Data-Driven AI, Symbolic AI, Socio-technical and Human-Centered AI, Responsible and Ethical AI, and Inter- and Transdisciplinary AI Research. The program includes an unconference for students, tutorials, and the main conference sessions. (2025.sacair.org.za)
5. Deep Learning Indaba 2025
- Dates: To be announced
- Location: University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Overview: The Deep Learning Indaba is an annual conference and educational event that aims to strengthen machine learning and AI capacity across Africa. Since its inception in 2017, it has brought together students, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers from across the continent. The 2025 edition will continue this tradition, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in the AI community. (en.wikipedia.org)
These conferences reflect Africa’s growing commitment to advancing AI technologies and integrating them into various sectors to drive economic growth and address societal challenges. They offer invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration among AI professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.
