Deep Learning Indaba 2024 musings

The sixth edition of Deep Learning Indaba was held in Dakar, Senegal from September 1-7 at Amadou Mahtar M'Bow University (l'Université Amadou Mahtar MBOW), located in the new city of Diamniadio. Deep Learning Indaba's annual meeting is without doubt Africa's premier convening of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) practitioners. We would need a whole report to summarize the happenings at the Indaba, but for now let us do the best with the time that we have. Below are a few highlights!

Opening ceremony

Aside from being Africa's premier convening of ML and AI practitioners, it is also safe to say, without exaggeration, that the Indaba qualifies as an important cultural showcase. The opening ceremony was nothing short of that. 'Nobody came to play' as evidenced by the stilt walker, the elaborate masks, costumes and routines, and the energetic dancers and drummers. The same can be said for the participants who in addition to possessing ML and AI expertise, commanded the dance floor. Inherent in the air was the Indaba spirit. The spirit of exuberance, community, African pride, Pan-Africanism ... you name it, reverberated in the air! In all my conferences attended, nothing comes close to the Indaba!

Program

The program lived up to the Indaba's mission statement i.e. '... to Strengthen Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Africa' and this year's theme “Xam Xamlé” a Wolof term meaning ‘To gain knowledge and share it’. Numerous tutorials, practical sessions, keynote speeches, mentorship sessions and workshops fed into the knowledge gaining and sharing objective. Additionally, the poster presentations afforded a wonderful opportunity to see first-hand the range of ML and AI applications across the continent. Seeing African practitioners spearheading the application of AI and ML techniques to real problems in the continent, truly lives up to the goal of the convening i.e. '...Africans being not only observers and receivers of the ongoing advances in AI, but active shapers and owners of these technological advances '.

Governance workshop

Last year, I spectated. This year, enabled by Qhala, I took a leap of faith, by submitting a proposal on AI governance. The proposal, AI regulation in Africa: Rationale, Considerations and Way Forward', was accepted. The intent of the workshop was to discuss AI governance in Africa, deliberating on the objectives of governance, rationale for regulation and feasible governance strategies to achieve the twin-fold imperative: maximizing benefits from AI technologies whilst mitigating risk. Featuring insightful presentations from Patricia Idakwo , David Gichohi Maina and Dr. Temi Ayorinde , and, a vibrant panel discussion involving George Gor , Lilian D. A. Wanzare, PhD. , Elizabeth Mutua (PhD) and Vukosi Marivate , the workshop lived up to its mission.

Takeaways as a first-time workshop organizer

Be adaptable. The program will change multiple times! In fact, up until the last day the program was a moving document. Being a stickler for certainty, this was initially bothersome. However, it is in those twists that I made adjustments that connected me to incredible people i.e. the presenters. Am thankful to Patricia Idakwo who made time to make a presentation enroute to another workshop, David Gichohi Maina who made adjustments to his presentation to address the workshop theme and Dr. Temi Ayorinde who prepared an entirely new presentation at short notice.

Life in Dakar

Of course, this article is incomplete without discussing life in Dakar. I should have started with this, however, in my attempt to masquerade some sort of seriousness, I saved the best for last. My French was an indispensable tool during my time in Dakar. Its either Wolof or French in Senegal. Being an English speaker can be a painful existence, but that was not my story. I had the time of my life speaking French and attempting some Wolof. In hindsight, I should have had my translation invoices ready, as a played the role of 'translator' so many times.

African Renaissance Monument : True to its depiction, the monument is captivating both in stature and its futuristic call. With an entrance fee of 1500 Francs (if my memory serves me right), one can get access to the museum, where guides take visitors along a three-floor tour. On the third floor, visitors get a peek of the child and mother's head. Outside the monument, viewers have access to wonderful views of Dakar, the coastline and key landmarks such as the Grand Mosque of Dakar .

The Train Express Regional (le Train Express Regional): This train was a saver. I was staying 40 kilometers from the conference, which at first was dauting, but in hindsight it was the best thing that ever happened as I got a panoramic view of Dakar. My accommodation was close to the train stop of Colobane. Every day, I made my way to Colobane via Taxi, bought my ticket and headed to the conference venue in Diamniadio. The trains connect the city of Dakar to the new city of Diamniadio. Starting from Dakar and moving at 150 km/hr the train makes several stops, until its final destination in Diamniadio. On weekdays, the trains are available every 10 minutes, whilst on weekend they are available every 20 minutes. Additionally, there are electric buses-bus rapid transfer- that ease movement within Dakar.

?le de Gorée (Gorée): Approximately a 25-minute boat ride from Dakar, is this hauntingly beautiful island, which in the past served as a major slaving trade center. Compared to the train service, making our way to the island was not quite as efficient. It took a while to get ferry tickets, then an even longer time to board the ferry but eventually we made our way to the island. Arriving at the island put our fatigue to rest. Visiting the island, was a beautiful experience, both from an art and history perspective, a narration that cannot be adequately captured in this short article. Make a point to see it for yourself!

Conclusion

The cross-disciplinary nature of AI and ML means that there is space for every African to get involved with the Indaba! I can attest to that having started off from an econometrics background before veering off to ML and occasionally dipping my feet into the theory of AI governance. So, start where you are with what you have and find a way to contribute, be it as a participant, organizer, sponsor... the list is endless. Let's move the Indaba from strength to strength! See you all in Rwanda 2025.

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Methali

64. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa.What the heart desires is medicine to it

Quote

"If a door is shut, attempts should be made to open it; if it is ajar, it should be pushed until it is wide open. In neither case should the door be blown up at the expense of those inside."-Julius Kambarage Nyerere