About The Conference

Welcome to RAIDS 2026

Africa's flagship international conference bringing together the brightest minds in AI and Data Science to shape the future of technology-driven development.

RAIDS 2026 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda - AI and Data Science gathering
University of Kigali Kigali, Rwanda • Nov 24-25, 2026
What is RAIDS 2026?

Rwanda's Premier AI & Data Science Conference

RAIDS 2026 is Rwanda's flagship international conference, strategically positioned to explore the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science as catalysts for economic transformation, social development, and ethical digital ecosystems in Africa and globally.

This hybrid event brings together a diverse community of researchers, technologists, policymakers, and industry leaders at the iconic University of Kigali, with a robust virtual platform enabling global participation.

Conference Theme

"Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Inclusive Innovation and Global Impact"

Foster collaboration between African and global AI researchers and practitioners

Showcase cutting-edge research addressing real-world challenges in emerging economies

Promote ethical AI governance and responsible innovation frameworks

Learn More About RAIDS

Global Hybrid Format

Attend in-person in Kigali or join virtually from anywhere in the world

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers published in SCOPUS-indexed journals and proceedings

Expert Network

Connect with leading researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators

Startup Showcase

African startups pitch innovations to investors and industry leaders

Important Dates

Mark Your Calendar

Key milestones for RAIDS 2026. Don't miss these important deadlines.

20
April 2026

Abstract Submission Opens

Portal opens for abstract and paper submissions

25
July 2026

Abstract & Full Paper Deadline

Final deadline for all abstract and full paper submissions

20
August 2026

Acceptance Notifications

Authors notified of paper acceptance decisions

05
November 2026

Final Paper Deadline

Camera-ready papers due for publication

24–25
November 2026

Conference Dates

RAIDS 2026 at University of Kigali, Rwanda

Main Event
Conference at a Glance

Key Highlights

RAIDS 2026 brings together the best of AI and Data Science research, innovation, and collaboration from across the globe.

12
Research Tracks

Covering AI, ML, NLP, Ethics, Health, Finance & more

3 +
Keynote Speakers

World-class AI researchers & industry leaders

50 +
Countries

Global participation from 6 continents

2
Days of Innovation

November 24-25, 2026 in Kigali

Hybrid
Event Format

In-Person in Kigali + Virtual worldwide

Ready to be part of RAIDS 2026? Join researchers from around the world.

Register Now Submit Paper
Conference Theme 2026

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Inclusive Innovation and Global Impact

Why This Theme?

Bridging Technology and Human Progress

The theme of RAIDS 2026 reflects a powerful vision: leveraging AI and Data Science not just for technological advancement, but as tools for equitable development that addresses real challenges faced by communities in Africa and around the world.

As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, it is crucial that emerging economies are not just consumers of these technologies, but active creators and shapers of AI solutions tailored to local contexts and global challenges.

Our Vision

"To position Africa at the forefront of ethical, inclusive, and impactful AI innovation — creating technologies that serve humanity and drive sustainable development across all communities."

Three Pillars of Our Theme

Inclusive Innovation

Ensuring AI solutions are designed for and accessible to all communities, addressing barriers of language, infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors across diverse populations.

Global Impact

Creating AI and data science solutions that transcend borders, addressing universal challenges like climate change, healthcare access, food security, and economic inequality.

Ethical & Responsible AI

Championing transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems. Building governance frameworks that protect privacy, prevent bias, and ensure AI benefits all of humanity.

Share Your Research With The World

Submit your work addressing inclusive innovation, global challenges, or ethical AI frameworks. Be part of the conversation shaping AI's future.

Submit Your Paper Explore Research Tracks
Conference Benefits

Why Attend RAIDS 2026?

Join Africa's premier AI & Data Science gathering and unlock unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and career advancement in the heart of innovation.

01

Global Networking

Connect with leading researchers, industry pioneers, and emerging talent from across Africa and beyond.

  • 500+ International Attendees
  • Dedicated Networking Sessions
  • Industry Matchmaking Events
02

Cutting-Edge Insights

Access the latest research findings, breakthrough technologies, and emerging trends shaping the future of AI.

  • Keynotes from World Leaders
  • Hands-on Technical Workshops
  • Panel Discussions & Q&A
03

Publication Opportunities

Present your research and get published in indexed journals with international recognition.

  • Scopus-Indexed Proceedings
  • Journal Publication Pathways
  • Best Paper Awards
04

Innovation Showcase

Discover groundbreaking AI solutions and startups transforming industries across the African continent.

  • Live Product Demonstrations
  • Startup Pitch Competition
  • Technology Exhibition Hall
05

Experience Rwanda

Visit Africa's leading tech hub — a nation renowned for its innovation ecosystem and breathtaking landscapes.

  • Kigali Innovation City Tours
  • Cultural Networking Evening
  • Wildlife & Eco-Tourism Options
06

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career with mentorship, job opportunities, and recognition in the global AI community.

  • Career Fair & Job Board
  • Mentorship Speed Dating
  • Skills Certification Tracks
Target Audience

Who Should Attend?

RAIDS 2026 brings together a diverse ecosystem of professionals united by a shared passion for AI and Data Science innovation in Africa and beyond.

AI & ML Researchers

Present groundbreaking research, collaborate with peers, and publish in indexed proceedings.

PhD PostDoc Labs

Graduate Students

Learn from experts, find mentors, explore career paths, and network with future colleagues.

Masters PhD Emerging

Industry Leaders

Discover cutting-edge solutions, recruit top talent, and forge strategic partnerships.

Tech Enterprise CTOs

Startup Founders

Pitch your AI ventures, connect with investors, and scale your impact across Africa.

AI Startups Ventures

Government & Policy

Shape AI regulations, explore ethical frameworks, and drive digital transformation.

Policy Regulation

Professors & Educators

Share curriculum innovations, establish collaborations, and advance AI education.

Faculty Curriculum

Investors & VCs

Discover promising AI startups, evaluate technologies, and invest in Africa's future.

VC Angel Funding

NGOs & Development

Leverage AI for social good, health, agriculture, and sustainable development goals.

Impact SDGs
12 Research Tracks

Conference Tracks

RAIDS 2026 features 12 interdisciplinary program tracks, emphasizing the application of AI and Data Science for inclusive innovation and global impact.

01

Foundational AI & Machine Learning

Core algorithms, neural architectures, transformers, and theoretical advances in machine learning systems.

Neural Networks Transformers XAI
02

Data Science, Big Data & Analytics

Data engineering, pipelines, predictive analytics, visualization, and data storytelling techniques.

Big Data Analytics Visualization
03

AI for Health, Agriculture & Education

AI applications in diagnostics, precision agriculture, food security, and adaptive learning platforms.

HealthTech AgriTech EdTech
04

NLP & Multilingual AI

Natural language processing for African languages, speech recognition, translation, and conversational AI.

African Languages Speech AI Translation
05

Computer Vision & Smart Sensing

Vision-based monitoring, remote sensing, geospatial AI, drone integration, and object recognition.

Vision AI Remote Sensing Drones
06

AI Ethics, Governance & Responsible Innovation

Fairness, transparency, algorithmic accountability, AI regulatory frameworks, and societal impact.

AI Ethics Governance Fairness
07

Cybersecurity, Digital Identity & Data Privacy

AI in intrusion detection, digital forensics, privacy-preserving ML, and identity systems.

Cybersecurity Privacy PPML
08

Data-Driven Smart Cities & Infrastructure

Urban mobility, transport planning, energy systems, sustainability modeling, and public services.

Smart Cities Mobility Energy
09

GenAI, LLMs & Creative AI

Generative models, large language models, prompt engineering, creative AI applications, and content generation.

GenAI LLMs Creative AI
10

AI for Climate Resilience & Environment

Emissions tracking, carbon markets, disaster prediction, climate mitigation, and environmental AI.

Climate AI Sustainability Disaster
11

AI for Financial Inclusion & Economic Development

Fintech, mobile payments, microfinance, fraud detection, credit scoring, and economic forecasting.

FinTech Inclusion Fraud
12

Future of Work, Skills & Human-AI Collaboration

AI literacy, re-skilling, workforce readiness, human-machine teams, and digital twins in the workplace.

Future of Work Skills HCI

Ready to Contribute Your Research?

Choose your track and submit your groundbreaking research. Join hundreds of researchers from around the world.

Register Submission Guidelines
How It Works

Registration Process

Follow these simple steps to complete your registration for RAIDS 2026.

1

Complete Pre-Enrollment Form

Fill out the registration form with your personal and professional details.

2

Receive Confirmation Email

Get an email confirmation with your registration details and next steps.

3

Pay via Secure Payment Portal

Complete your payment securely through our trusted payment gateway.

4

Submit Abstract or Full Paper

Upload your research abstract or full paper through the submission portal.

5

Request Visa Letter (if applicable)

International attendees can request an official invitation letter for visa applications.

World-Class Experts

Keynote Speakers

Learn from pioneering researchers and industry leaders shaping the future of AI and Data Science across Africa and the world.

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Interested in speaking at RAIDS 2026? We welcome proposals from leading researchers and practitioners.

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Registration

Secure Your Spot Today

Choose the registration package that fits your needs. Early bird rates offer significant savings.

Early Bird Ends: June 1, 2026
Remote Access

Virtual Only

$150
$ 100
Online Access
Save $50
  • Full Virtual Access to All Sessions
  • Live Keynote Streaming
  • Digital Proceedings Access
BSc / MSc / PhD

Student

$200
$ 150
Full Conference
Save $50
  • Full In-Person Conference Access
  • Student-Focused Sessions
  • Poster/Demo Participation
African Continent

Standard Presenter

$350
$ 250
Full + Publication
Save $100
  • Full Conference Access
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Publication Option
Full Experience
International

Standard Presenter

$550
$ 450
Full + Publication
Save $100
  • Full Conference Access
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Publication Option
Secure Payment
Visa Letters Provided
Flexible Refund Policy
Virtual Only $100 USD

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Our Sponsors

Sponsors & Partners

RAIDS 2026 is supported by leading organizations advancing AI innovation.

Interested in sponsoring RAIDS 2026?

Become a Sponsor