In the heart of East Africa, the hills of Kigali are preparing to welcome one of the most significant gatherings on the continent’s tech calendar: the Deep Learning Indaba 2025. From 17 to 22 August, the University of Rwanda will serve as the vibrant venue for this landmark edition of Africa’s leading machine learning and artificial intelligence conference. More than just an academic affair, the Indaba is a cultural, intellectual, and strategic force, unifying technologists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers across Africa and the globe.
This year’s theme, “Urunana – Hand in Hand for AI in Africa”, encapsulates the spirit of
collaboration that has defined the Indaba since its inception. The choice of Rwanda, renowned
for its digital innovation and pan-African leadership, feels particularly fitting for a conference
that has become the heartbeat of AI in Africa.
Since its launch in 2017, the Deep Learning Indaba has grown far beyond its original scope.
What began as a 300-person initiative in Johannesburg has evolved into a pan-African
movement. In 2025, the conference expects to host over 1,000 delegates, a record for the
event, representing more than 40 African countries, with contributions from around the world.
Interview with Prof Rosman on the early foundations of the Indaba
The momentum is undeniable, in 2024, the Indaba in Dakar welcomed over 700 attendees, showcased more than 150 research posters, featured 90 startups, and drew sponsorship and attention from global tech giants such as Google DeepMind, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and JPMorgan Chase.
One of the most significant evolutions in this year’s Indaba is the launch of the Virtual Indaba, a new digital participation feature that makes the conference accessible far beyond Kigali. Recognising the financial and logistical barriers that many African students, researchers, and enthusiasts face, the Virtual Indaba opens a bold new chapter for inclusive participation.
Through a seamless online experience hosted on the Gatherly platform, participants will be able to attend live-streamed and recorded sessions, engage in real-time Q&A, visit virtual sponsor booths, and even receive certificates of attendance. For the first time, the Deep Learning Indaba is fully accessible to anyone with an internet connection, from students in Lusaka and Nairobi to researchers in Accra and Kinshasa.
The program itself is deeply compelling. Keynote speakers include renowned figures such as Verena Rieser -Google DeepMind, Max Welling - University of Amsterdam & MSR, Dina Machuve -DevData Analytics, and Sanmi Koyejo-Stanford & Virtue AI. A flagship policy panel will bring together influential voices like Jane Munga, Rayid Ghani, Vukosi Marivate, and Virginia Dignum, exploring how Africa can shape responsible, inclusive, and impactful AI
📣 As the official media partner, iAfrikan.com will be reporting live from the heart of the action, bringing readers exclusive interviews, key session highlights, policy insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the people and projects driving Africa’s AI renaissance.