Deep Learning IndabaX Botswana 2026

Part of the wider Deep Learning Indaba network, growing AI from the ground up in Botswana.

IndabaX Botswana is part of the wider Deep Learning Indaba network: a pan-African grassroots movement strengthening machine learning and artificial intelligence across the continent.

As a local chapter, we bring that movement home to Botswana by creating space for students, researchers, developers, startups, industry partners, and public-sector stakeholders to learn, build, lead, and collaborate.

The 2026 gathering is community-driven and practical: it spreads scientific knowledge, showcases cutting-edge applications, introduces beginners to deep learning, and builds a community of responsible AI practitioners.

Our theme, "Our Data. Our Intelligence. Our Future.", is a call to move from consumption to ownership: African data, African builders, and measurable benefits for African communities.

The IndabaX is free to attend for students.

2026 Event Details

Dates: 29 - 31 July 2026

Venue: Botswana School of Business Sciences

Location: Gaborone, Botswana

Expected delegates: 300+ in person

Programme: Keynotes, tutorials, hackathon, AI Fest, poster session, workshops, meetups, mentorship, booths, and awards

A grassroots AI movement

Local chapter, continental network.

IndabaX events extend the Deep Learning Indaba mission beyond the annual gathering by building local communities, creating leadership, recognising African excellence, and activating the next generation of AI practitioners.

47

IndabaX chapters

Botswana is connected to a wider network of African communities growing machine learning locally.

BW

Grassroots leadership

The chapter is organised by people building the ecosystem from inside the community, not from the outside in.

AI

Responsible practitioners

The goal is not only to teach tools, but to grow practitioners who understand context, responsibility, and impact.

DLI

Pan-African pathway

Many IndabaX Botswana participants continue into the broader Deep Learning Indaba community across Africa.

What the 2026 Theme Means

Our Data

Meaningful AI must reflect African languages, environments, institutions, and lived realities.

Our Intelligence

AI solutions should be designed, tested, and improved by African researchers, developers, innovators, and communities.

Our Future

The purpose is tangible impact across healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, public service, and beyond.

Mission & Key Programmes

01

Scientific knowledge

Spread machine learning and deep learning knowledge among researchers, students, and practitioners.

02

Industry applications

Showcase cutting-edge applications from industry partners, startups, companies, and research groups.

03

Beginner pathways

Provide practical introductions to deep learning, data science, and applied AI for people entering the field.

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Responsible community

Build a community of responsible AI practitioners who can lead, collaborate, and serve Botswana's needs.

2025 Highlights

IndabaX Botswana continues to grow as one of the fastest-growing IndabaX chapters in Africa.

250+

Attendees

Participants joined the 2025 edition at Botho University.

10+

Speakers

Local, African, and international voices contributed to the programme.

6

Partners

Partners supported the event and helped strengthen the local ecosystem.

43%

Women

The community continues working toward broader and more inclusive participation.

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Posters

Research and applied projects were showcased through poster presentations.

15+

Organisers & volunteers

A committed team made the event possible on the ground.

Chapter Timeline

2019

Botho University

An early IndabaX Botswana chapter event helped establish a foundation for local AI community building.

2024

Botho University

The community returned with renewed energy, reconnecting students, researchers, and local AI practitioners.

2025

Botho University

The chapter grew with 250+ attendees, 10+ speakers, 6 partners, workshops, posters, and a strong volunteer base.

2026

Botswana School of Business Sciences

The next edition moves to Gaborone for a three-day programme with AI Fest, poster session, hackathon, tutorials, lectures, mentorship, booths, and awards.