From 20–24 July 2026, Makerere University welcomed hundreds of students, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond for Data Science Africa (DSA) 2026 Kampala; one of the continent’s premier gatherings for data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Hosted at Makerere University, the event combined a three-day Summer School with a two-day research Workshop, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration around the latest developments in AI and data science.
Makerere University Centre for Artificial Intelligence (Mak-AI) was proud to contribute to an event that reflects our mission of advancing AI research, education, and innovation for Africa.
This year’s theme, “Foundational and Practical Data Science in the Age of Generative AI,” underscored the importance of strengthening core data science skills while equipping researchers and practitioners with the knowledge needed to responsibly develop and deploy modern AI systems.
Building AI Capacity for Africa
Across five days, participants engaged in lectures, practical sessions, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and peer-reviewed research presentations covering topics such as: Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) , African Language Technologies, AI Evaluation and Responsible AI, MLOps and AI Deployment among others.
The programme reflected the growing maturity of Africa’s AI ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions designed to address local challenges.
Research That Speaks to African Contexts
The DSA 2026 Workshop showcased peer-reviewed research from across the continent, highlighting innovative work in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, healthcare, agriculture, climate science, and responsible AI.
Researchers presented work grounded in African realities, reinforcing the importance of developing AI systems that are representative, ethical, and capable of addressing the continent’s unique opportunities and challenges.
Mak-AI’s Contribution
As Makerere University‘s Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Mak-AI played an active role in supporting the successful delivery of DSA 2026.
Members of the Centre contributed to event organisation, technical sessions, participated in panel discussions, and helped facilitate conversations around responsible AI, AI governance, and practical AI applications for Africa.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between researchers, universities, industry, and development organisations committed to advancing AI capacity across the continent.
Powered Through Partnership
DSA 2026 Kampala was made possible through the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing AI research and education in Africa.
Mak-AI’s participation in DSA 2026 is supported through the AI for Development (AI4D) Africa program, which continues to strengthen research excellence and AI capacity across the continent.
As the conversations continue beyond Kampala, Mak-AI remains committed to advancing research, developing local talent, and building partnerships that ensure AI serves communities across Uganda and Africa.
