Introduction to the Deep Learning Indaba
The Deep Learning Indaba is a prestigious pan-African movement that began in 2017 with a small group of 300 people in Johannesburg, South Africa. Today, it has expanded to include local chapters in 50 countries, with nearly 3,000 people applying to join each year. One of the founding members, Moorosi, a senior researcher at the Distributed AI Research Institute, attended the event from Lesotho. She was dressed in her signature "Mama Africa" headwrap and was excited to see the community spirit of the Indaba.
The Community Spirit of the Indaba
As Moorosi made her way through the crowded hall, a cheerful set of Nigerian music began to play, and people spontaneously gathered around the stage, waving flags of many African nations. Moorosi laughed and clapped, saying, "The vibe at the Indaba—the community spirit—is really strong." This sense of community is a key part of the Indaba’s appeal, with attendees coming from all over Africa to connect with others who share their interests in AI and deep learning.
Opportunities for Attendees
For many attendees, the main "prize" is to be hired by a tech company or accepted into a PhD program. The organizations represented at the event include Microsoft Research’s AI for Good Lab, Google, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Mila–Quebec AI Institute. However, Moorosi hopes to see more homegrown ventures create opportunities within Africa, rather than relying on external companies. This would help to build a more sustainable and self-sufficient AI industry in Africa.
AI Policy in Africa
One of the key topics discussed at the Indaba was AI policy in Africa. Experts called for more community engagement in the development of national AI strategies, and attendees raised questions about how young Africans could access high-level discussions on AI policy. Moorosi emphasized the need for African priorities, such as labor protections and mineral rights, to be reflected in these strategies. This would help to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits African communities and supports their development.
Dreams for the Future of AI in Africa
On the last day of the Indaba, Moorosi shared her dreams for the future of AI in Africa. "I dream of African industries adopting African-built AI products," she said. "We really need to show our work to the world." This vision of a self-sufficient and innovative AI industry in Africa is one that many attendees share, and it will be exciting to see how the Indaba and other initiatives help to make this vision a reality.
Conclusion
The Deep Learning Indaba is a vibrant and dynamic community that is helping to build a strong and sustainable AI industry in Africa. With its focus on community spirit, opportunities for attendees, and discussion of key issues like AI policy, the Indaba is an important event for anyone interested in AI and deep learning in Africa. As Moorosi’s dreams for the future of AI in Africa suggest, there is a bright future ahead for this industry, and the Indaba will likely play a key role in shaping it.
FAQs
Q: What is the Deep Learning Indaba?
A: The Deep Learning Indaba is a prestigious pan-African movement that began in 2017 with a small group of 300 people in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Q: What is the main "prize" for attendees of the Indaba?
A: For many attendees, the main "prize" is to be hired by a tech company or accepted into a PhD program.
Q: What is Moorosi’s dream for the future of AI in Africa?
A: Moorosi dreams of African industries adopting African-built AI products and showing their work to the world.
Q: What is the focus of the Indaba?
A: The Indaba focuses on community spirit, opportunities for attendees, and discussion of key issues like AI policy.
Q: How many countries have local chapters of the Indaba?
A: The Indaba has local chapters in 50 countries.
