Pan-Atlantic University to Host Deep Learning Indaba 2026 in Lagos | ClipTV Online

The Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) is set to host the 8th Deep Learning Indaba (DLI) in Lagos. The Africa leading machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) conference, will commence from August 2 to 7, 2026.

The event is expected to attract over a 1,000 researchers, engineers, students, startups and policymakers. The eminent participants will come from 45 African countries and the global diaspora to discuss the future of AI on the continent.

This year’s conference is themed “Sovereign Intelligence,” highlighting the need for Africa to build, own and manage its AI systems. It will also explore the digital infrastructure and data resources as the world advances toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Participants will engage in keynote sessions, workshops, research, and the annual Pan-African Hackathon. Discussions will focus on African language, AI safety, community-led data infrastructure, and other machine learning technologies.

The conference will feature renowned speakers, including Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Professor Catherine Nakalembe of the University of Maryland, Margaret Mitchell, Chief Ethics Scientist at Hugging Face, and Professor Vukosi Marivate of the University of Pretoria, among other leading AI experts.

Speaking on the event, the Deep Learning Indaba General Chairs said the gathering reflects Africa’s determination to move from being a consumer of AI technologies to becoming a global contributor to their development.

Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Enase Okonedo, described the hosting opportunity as a demonstration of the university’s commitment to advancing research, innovation and collaboration that will support Africa’s technological development.

The 2026 Deep Learning Indaba is supported by several global technology companies and research organisations, including Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, Apple, Cohere, Mila, ITU and Kenya Airways, among others. It is expected to strengthen Africa’s AI ecosystem and promote home-grown innovation across the continent.