From January 26–29, 2026, Wits University in Johannesburg will transform into the epicenter of Africa's artificial intelligence revolution as Applied Machine Learning Days (AMLD) Africa hosts its largest gathering to date. With 60+ speakers, 52 African countries represented, and over 3,200 expected attendees, this year's event promises to be a landmark moment for the continent's growing AI ecosystem.
Where Ubuntu Meets AI
AMLD Africa has established itself as more than a conference, it's a movement built on the principle that AI should be free, inclusive, and community-led. The event embodies what organizers describe as "Ubuntu meets AI": a space where local realities inspire global solutions and Africa's emerging talent takes the lead in shaping a sovereign technological future.
The conference builds on a legacy of excellence, having previously hosted luminaries including Yoshua Bengio (known as a "Godfather of AI") and Karim Beguir, co-founder of InstaDeep, alongside senior leaders from Oracle, IBM, and Novartis. The 2024 edition in Nairobi drew over 1,600 participants, setting the stage for this year's expanded gathering in Johannesburg.
A Program Designed for Impact
The four-day program kicks off on January 26 with Day 0: Startups & Communities, a dedicated day spotlighting local innovators and grassroots AI communities from across the continent. This opening reflects AMLD Africa's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and ensuring that Africa's AI ecosystem grows from the ground up.
The subsequent days dive into six thematic tracks addressing Africa's most pressing challenges and opportunities:
- Healthcare: Exploring AI applications in diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare delivery
- Sustainability: Leveraging machine learning for environmental conservation and climate action
- Governance & Ethics: Navigating the policy landscape and ensuring responsible AI deployment
- Economic Empowerment: Transforming AI into new businesses, products, and career pathways
- Cultural Preservation: Using technology to protect and promote Africa's rich heritage
World-Class Speakers, African Focus
This year's speaker lineup brings together some of the brightest minds in AI, including:
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala — Rector of the United Nations University and UN Under-Secretary-General, formerly Vice Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, where he championed technology-driven education strategies that positioned the institution as a hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa.
Prof. Benjamin Rosman — Featured in TIME's AI 100 list, Rosman is a founder and organizer of the Deep Learning Indaba, a machine learning initiative now operating in 47 African countries. A 2024 National Geographic Explorer and recipient of Google Faculty Research Awards, his work focuses on reinforcement learning and decision-making in autonomous systems.
Dr. Priya Donti — MIT professor and co-founder of Climate Change AI, a global nonprofit catalyzing impactful work at the intersection of climate change and machine learning. Her research focuses on optimizing high-renewables power grids through deep learning.
Prof. Vukosi Marivate — A leading voice in African AI research who has been instrumental in advancing natural language processing for African languages.
Jade Abbott — A pioneering figure in African NLP and machine learning, known for her work on making AI more accessible and relevant to African contexts.
Additional speakers include Dr. Lily Paemka (Deputy Director of WAGMC), Dr. Mihir Patel (Chief Visionary Officer at Ospitek Inc.), and Samuel Segun (Senior Researcher at the Global Center on AI Governance).
Node by AMLD: Building the Future
AMLD Africa recently launched "Node by AMLD," an initiative establishing student-led AI clubs across African universities. With chapters already active in Zimbabwe, Benin, Nigeria, and Madagascar, the network is rapidly expanding, creating local spaces for innovation, collaboration, and community building.
The AMLD Africa Ambassador Program now spans over 20 African countries and will power live broadcasts of the conference across 20+ universities, engaging more than 500 participants in local hubs, ensuring the event's impact extends far beyond Johannesburg.
Practical Details
Dates: January 26–29, 2026
Venue: University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg
Tickets: Starting from free (online) to $75 USD (regular on-site), with special rates for students ($5), student groups ($12 for 3), faculty members ($20), and startup members ($20)
Included: Four days of access, free lunch, and a goodies bag
Why Attend?
Whether you're a company looking to connect with AI talent, a policymaker shaping Africa's digital future, a researcher pushing the boundaries of machine learning, or a student passionate about technology's potential, AMLD Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the continent's AI ecosystem.
As organizers note: "We strive to empower local communities through knowledge-sharing, ethical AI development, and inclusive innovation, shaping a more equitable digital future for Africa."
Get your tickets: mlafrica.org/event/amld-africa-2026
Contact: info@mlafrica.org
Website: mlafrica.org
AMLD Africa is supported by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) through the Excellence in Africa (EXAF) lab.
