International Conference on AI for Sustainable Development in Africa
Mekelle University, Ethiopia | April 27–28, 2026
About AI4SD 2026
The International Conference on AI for Sustainable Development in Africa (AI4SD 2026), hosted by Mekelle University, Ethiopia, invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to submit research papers, applied contributions, AI policy and governance studies, and innovative AI solutions advancing Artificial Intelligence as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic innovation across Africa.
Contributions are welcomed across agriculture, health, education, finance, peace, governance, and other interdisciplinary domains aligned with AI for sustainable development. Guided by a vision of Africa's transition from technology adoption to innovation leadership, AI4SD 2026 particularly encourages submissions that emphasize ethical, inclusive, and locally relevant AI.
The conference provides a high-level platform for scientific exchange, policy dialogue, and partnership building, supporting the translation of research into practical impact and contributing to Africa's digital economy and sustainable development agenda.
Thematic Areas and Technical Tracks
Artificial Intelligence in Precision Agriculture
- AI-driven precision farming and smart agricultural systems
- Agricultural data analytics and intelligent decision-support platforms
- Crop monitoring, yield prediction, and automated pest and disease detection
- Responsible, ethical, and secure AI deployment in agricultural ecosystems
Artificial Intelligence in Education
- AI-powered learning environments and adaptive educational platforms
- Learning analytics, educational data management, and personalized instruction
- Intelligent assessment systems and academic integrity technologies
- Responsible and secure AI for equitable and inclusive education
Artificial Intelligence in Energy Systems
- AI-enabled smart grids and intelligent energy management
- Energy data analytics and demand forecasting using machine learning
- Optimization of renewable energy generation, storage, and distribution
- Responsible, ethical, and secure AI for sustainable energy infrastructures
Artificial Intelligence in Finance
- AI-based financial analytics and decision-support systems
- Intelligent financial services, automation, and digital transformation
- Fraud detection, risk modeling, and regulatory compliance using AI
- Responsible, ethical, and secure AI for financial inclusion and stability
Artificial Intelligence in Health
- AI for clinical decision support, diagnostics, and medical imaging
- Intelligent health information systems and interoperable platforms
- Telemedicine and digital health solutions powered by AI
- Health data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical governance frameworks
AI and Data Analytics for Cybersecurity
- Threat detection and security analytics using SIEM platforms
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and anomaly detection
- Vulnerability assessment and automated security testing
- Malware, ransomware, and phishing detection using machine learning
Multilingual Large Language Models and Low-Resource Languages
- Natural Language Processing for African and low-resource languages
- Adaptation, fine-tuning, evaluation, and deployment of Large Language Models
- Responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI for multilingual and culturally diverse communities
Artificial Intelligence for Peace and Governance
- AI-enabled systems for peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and early-warning mechanisms
- Data-driven governance, policy analytics, and public-sector decision support
- Intelligent digital government, e-governance platforms, and civic engagement tools
- Responsible, ethical, and secure AI for peace, justice, and democratic governance
Submission Guidelines
Paper Requirements
- Abstract: Max 250 words (single paragraph, 5-7 keywords)
- Full Papers: Min 4 pages, Max 8 pages including all sections
- Sections Required: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion, and References
Formatting Requirements
- Font: Times New Roman
- Sizing: Title (12pt), Body (11pt), Abstract (10pt)
- Spacing: Abstract (Single-spaced), Main Body (1.5 spacing)
- Citation Style: IEEE
Author Information
Include name(s), affiliation, email, and phone number on the first page.
Submit to: AI4SD@mu.edu.et
Email Subject: "AI4SD 2026 Paper Submission"
Important Dates
| Activity | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Submission Period | February 9 – March 8, 2026 | ✓ Completed |
| Notification of Acceptance | March 13, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Camera-Ready Submission | April 3, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Conference Dates | April 27–28, 2026 | Upcoming |
Conference Poster
Download and share the official AI4SD 2026 conference poster
Contact Us
International Conference on AI for Sustainable Development in Africa (AI4SD 2026)
Mekelle University, Ethiopia
Email: AI4SD@mu.edu.et