Frequently Asked Questions

RAIDS 2026 (Rwanda Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Conference) is an international academic conference bringing together researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to share advances in AI and Data Science, with a focus on applications relevant to Africa and developing regions.

RAIDS 2026 will be held on November 24-25, 2026 at the University of Kigali in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference will feature two full days of keynotes, paper presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The conference welcomes academic researchers, PhD students, industry practitioners, data scientists, AI engineers, policymakers, and anyone interested in AI and Data Science. Whether you're presenting research or learning about the latest advances, RAIDS 2026 offers valuable insights for all experience levels.

RAIDS 2026 features 12 research tracks including: Foundational AI & ML, Data Science & Analytics, AI for Health/Agriculture/Education, NLP & Multilingual AI, Computer Vision, AI Ethics & Governance, Cybersecurity & Privacy, Smart Cities, GenAI & LLMs, AI for Climate, Financial Inclusion, and Future of Work.

Yes, RAIDS 2026 offers a hybrid format with virtual attendance options. Virtual attendees can access livestreams of keynotes and selected sessions, participate in Q&A, and network through our online platform. Check the registration page for virtual ticket options.

Key dates: Submission portal opens April 20, 2026. Abstract and full paper deadline is July 25, 2026. Acceptance notifications will be sent by August 20, 2026. Camera-ready papers are due November 5, 2026. Visit our Important Dates page for complete timeline.

We accept full research papers (8-12 pages), short papers (4-6 pages), and extended abstracts (2 pages). All submissions must follow our formatting guidelines and use the provided LaTeX or Word templates. Papers must be original and not under review elsewhere.

All submissions undergo double-blind peer review by at least three members of our Technical Program Committee. Reviews evaluate originality, technical quality, significance, clarity, and relevance. Authors receive detailed feedback with their acceptance/rejection notification.

Yes, all accepted full papers will be published in indexed conference proceedings. We are pursuing indexing with major databases including Scopus. Selected outstanding papers may be invited to submit extended versions to partner journals for further publication.

Yes, papers posted on preprint servers like arXiv are eligible for submission. However, they must not be under review or accepted at another peer-reviewed venue. Ensure your arXiv submission does not compromise the double-blind review process by removing author identifiers.

Early bird rates (until September 30, 2026): Students $150, Academics $350, Industry $500. Regular rates apply after early bird deadline. African institution discounts and group registration options are available. Visit our Registration page for full pricing.

Full registration includes access to all keynotes and sessions, conference materials, coffee breaks and lunches, welcome reception, networking events, and digital proceedings. Author registration additionally covers paper publication. Workshop-only and single-day passes are also available.

Yes, for each accepted paper, at least one author must register at the full (non-student) rate by the camera-ready deadline to have the paper included in the proceedings. One author registration covers up to two papers by the same registered author.

Cancellations made 30+ days before the conference receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations 15-30 days prior receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available for cancellations less than 15 days before the event. Registration transfers to another attendee are permitted at any time.

Yes, we offer a limited number of travel grants and registration waivers for students and researchers from underrepresented regions. Priority is given to authors of accepted papers. Applications open after paper acceptance notifications. Check the website for application details.

Rwanda offers visa-on-arrival for all African Union citizens. Most other nationalities can obtain an e-visa online at irembo.gov.rw with processing taking 24-72 hours. We can provide invitation letters upon request to support your visa application.

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is approximately 20 minutes from the venue. Taxis are available at the airport (around $30 USD to city center). Ride-sharing apps like Yego Moto and Move also operate in Kigali. Many hotels offer airport shuttle services.

Yes, we have partnered with several hotels offering conference rates. Options range from budget ($40/night) to luxury ($180/night). See our Venue & Travel page for recommended accommodations and booking codes.

Yes, Kigali is considered one of the safest cities in Africa. Rwanda has low crime rates and is known for its cleanliness and efficient infrastructure. The city is very welcoming to international visitors, and English is widely spoken alongside Kinyarwanda and French.

November is part of the short rainy season in Kigali. Expect temperatures between 15-27°C (59-81°F) with occasional afternoon showers. We recommend bringing layers and a light rain jacket. The conference venue is fully climate-controlled.