Symposium 2026

5th African Symposium on Big Data, Analytics & Machine Intelligence and TYAN International Thematic Workshop: A joint initiative with University of South Dakota, AI Research Lab

Theme:
Data-Driven AI for Sustainable Impact: From Research to Real-World Solutions in the Global South

Dates: 18–20 June 2026
Venue: Akure, Nigeria
Mode: Hybrid (Physical & Virtual Participation)

About the Symposium

The African Symposium on Big Data, Analytics, and Machine Intelligence is a flagship international forum that brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry leaders, and young innovators to explore how data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) can be translated from research into impactful real-world solutions.

Grounded in machine learning, big data analytics, data mining, and predictive modelling, data-driven AI offers powerful tools for addressing complex challenges in healthcare, climate action, agriculture, finance, education, urban development, and governance. For Africa and the wider Global South, these technologies provide pathways toward sustainable development, inclusive growth, and resilient societies.

The symposium provides a collaborative platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, innovation exchange, and partnership building, with strong emphasis on Africa-centric and Global South-relevant solutions, supported by leading academic and international partners across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Aim & Objectives

Aim

To advance knowledge, collaboration, and innovation in data-driven AI, with a focus on addressing global and regional development challenges.

Objectives

  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers
  • Showcase cutting-edge research and applied AI solutions for sustainable development
  • Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in data-driven AI
  • Develop actionable recommendations for accelerating AI adoption in the Global South

Symposium Sub-Themes

  • Data-Driven AI for Sustainable Healthcare & Public Health
  • Data-Driven AI for Smart Cities, Urban Resilience & Infrastructure
  • Data-Driven AI for Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability
  • Data-Driven AI for Security, FinTech, Governance & Digital Trust
  • Data-Driven AI for Smart Agriculture, Food Security & Rural Development
  • Data-Driven AI for Education, Human Capital & Digital Inclusion
  • From Research to Impact: AI Innovation, Policy & Deployment in the Global South

Programme Highlights

🔹 Keynote, Plenary & Invited Sessions

Insights from leading experts on advances in big data, analytics, and machine intelligence.

🔹 Oral & Paper Presentations

Original research aligned with the symposium sub-themes.
Selected high-quality papers will be considered for publication in a planned Springer special issue.

🔹 Hands-On AI Sessions

Two practical sessions focused on applied AI and data-driven research methods.

🔹 Pre-Symposium Youth Coding & Ethical AI Bootcamp

15–17 June 2026
A three-day intensive programme equipping African youth with skills in coding, data analytics, and ethical AI.
Outstanding participants will present during the main symposium.

🔹 TYAN International Thematic Workshop

A high-level interactive panel discussion on turning AI research into ethical, scalable, and impactful real-world solutions across healthcare, climate, agriculture, security, and economic development.

🔹 Student Exhibition

Selected youth innovators showcase AI- and data-driven solutions.

🔹 Sponsorship & Attendance Support

Limited support available for outstanding applicants.

Important Dates

  • 5 January 2026 – Call for Papers & Applications Opens
  • 5 April 2026 – Manuscript Submission Deadline 
  • 17 May 2026 – Notification of Acceptance

Participants

The symposium will host participants, including:

  • Undergraduate students (through the Youth Bootcamp and Student Exhibition)
  • Master’s and PhD students
  • Early-career researchers
  • Senior scientists and industry experts

Organizing Chair: Prof. Bolanle Ojokoh

Co-Organizing Chair: Prof. Emile Chimusa

Honorary Chair: Prof. KC Santosh

Speakers

  • Prof. Ismail Rakip Karas
    Vice-Rector, Karabük University, Türkiye
  • Dr. Adel Smeda
    Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
  • Prof. Emile Chimusa
    Northumbria University, United Kingdom
  • Prof. Bolanle Ojokoh
    Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
  • Dr. Hasan Aljabbouli
    New York University, USA
  • Dr Oluwarotimi Samuel
    University of Derby, UK
  • Dr Olatunji Omisore
    Central Queensland University, Australia.

Additional speakers to be announced.

Partners & Collaborators

  • Automated Contact Tracing Research Group (ACTRG), FUTA
  • GigaScience Press
  • TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN)
  • ICESCO
  • COMSATS
  • University of South Dakota Artificial Intelligence Research Lab, USA

Expected Outcomes

  • Capacity building for researchers, students, and industry professionals
  • Identification of niche research areas addressing regional challenges
  • Strengthened scientific networks and long-term collaborations
  • New multidisciplinary and international research partnerships
  • Contributions to key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Why Attend?

  • Learn from global leaders in AI and data science
  • Gain hands-on experience with real-world AI tools
  • Network with researchers, policymakers, and industry partners
  • Access publication and collaboration opportunities
  • Help shape AI-driven solutions for sustainable impact in the Global South