From 2–7 August 2026, DIGITaAfrica partners from UCT, INRIA, UMA and UN participated in Deep Learning Indaba 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, hosting a dedicated workshop focused on the DIGITAfrica Blueprints and their role in shaping Africa’s digital future.

Deep Learning Indaba is a major gathering for Africa’s artificial intelligence and machine learning community, bringing together researchers, students, practitioners and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations and explore the role of AI in Africa’s scientific and technological development.

The 2026 edition provided a platform for discussions around the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of AI and digital technologies across the continent.

The DIGITAfrica workshop brought this broader discussion into the field of digital research infrastructures, exploring how technologies such as Edge AI, connectivity and privacy-preserving approaches can contribute to sustainable and locally relevant digital infrastructures for Africa.

During the session, participants were introduced to the DIGITAfrica 5-Tier Blueprints, including the Connectivity and Edge AI blueprints, which provide frameworks and technical architectures for developing decentralised, sustainable and privacy-preserving digital science infrastructures adapted to the African context.

The workshop also showcased practical applications of Federated Learning, AI, 5G and Smart Campus technologies, offering participants an opportunity to explore how these approaches can support new forms of distributed digital research and innovation.

The participation at Deep Learning Indaba 2026 provided an opportunity to connect DIGITAfrica’s work with a wider community of researchers and practitioners working to shape Africa’s digital future.

For more information, please visit the official website.