Deep Learning Indaba

The Deep Learning Indaba is an annual conference and educational event that aims to strengthen machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capacity across Africa. Launched in 2017, it brings together students, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers from across the African continent.^[1][2]

Deep Learning Indaba
Status	Active
Genre	Conference
Location(s)	Various
Inaugurated	2017; 8 years ago (2017)
Most recent	2024
Previous event	Deep Learning Indaba 2024
Next event	Deep Learning Indaba 2025
Organised by	Local volunteer teams
Filing status	Non-profit
Website	deeplearningindaba.com

History

The Deep Learning Indaba began in 2017 at the University of the Witwatersrand with over 300 participants from 23 African countries, offering tutorials in advanced AI topics and featuring notable speakers like Nando de Freitas.^[3][4] In 2018, it expanded to 650 delegates at Stellenbosch University, introducing parallel sessions to encourage collaboration. The 2019 edition in Nairobi, Kenya, reflected further growth, with increasing sponsorship and support from major tech companies like Google and Microsoft.

List of Deep Learning Indaba over the years

Year	Host Country	Venue
2017	Johannesburg, South Africa	Wits University
2018	Stellenbosch, South Africa	Stellenbosch University
2019	Nairobi, Kenya	Kenyatta University
2020	Cancelled	Cancelled due to Covid 19
2021	Multiple countries	Indaba X ( multiple venues)
2022	Tunis, Tunisia	Sup’Com
2023	Accra, Ghana	University of Ghana[5]
2024	Dakar, Senegal	Amadou Mahtar Mbow University (UAM)
2025	Kigali, Rwanda	University of Rwanda