DataFest Africa is an annual event that ultimately celebrates data science and its ever-evolving impact on the African continent. Since its inception in 2019, the conference has become a melting pot of some of the brightest minds in the region, bringing together stakeholders of diverse backgrounds including; government, civil society, academics, students and private industry experts to connect, learn, and collaborate on innovative data-driven solutions.
Powering the Future of Data in Africa: Co-Organizing Partner of DataFest Africa
The AKU Data Innovation Office proudly served as a co-organizing partner for DataFest Africa 2023 and 2024, two landmark events advancing data innovation, equity, and digital transformation across the African continent.
DataFest Africa 2023
In collaboration with Pollicy and other leading technology stakeholders, the 2023 edition was hosted in a hybrid format with AKU playing a central role in Nairobi, Kenya. The event spotlighted pressing issues around gender data, AI bias, and inclusive technology. AKU’s Chief Data Innovation Officer delivered a keynote on algorithmic bias, underlining the critical need for diverse and representative data in AI development. The event featured over a dozen sessions addressing data governance, ethical AI, and feminist tech futures, culminating in actionable insights on advancing gender equity through data. Read more.
Datafest Africa 2023 Report
DataFest Africa 2024
Held at the serene AKU Nairobi Campus, the fifth edition of DataFest Africa took place from July 17th to 19th, 2024, co-hosted by the Aga Khan University’s Data Innovation Office and Pollicy, a civic data organization. Building on the success of previous editions, the 2024 festival expanded in scope and scale, attracting over 1,400 participants—including 250 in-person attendees from more than 21 countries—in a dynamic hybrid format.
Under the theme “Opportunities for All: Harnessing Data & Technology for Africa's Transformation”, the festival brought together a diverse mix of data scientists, designers, policymakers, civil society members, and business professionals. The event featured 46 sessions over three days, covering everything from Afro-feminist data workshops to hands-on tutorials in AI, GIS, and data visualization.
Highlights included sessions on bridging air quality data gaps using sensor technology and visualizing climate trends in Africa through open data and machine learning. Farhana Alarakhiya, AKU’s Chief Data Innovation Officer, showcased the university’s work in integrated electronic health record systems and data-driven methods to tackle population health challenges. The event concluded with the impactful launch of the Afro-Feminist Data Museum, an interactive exhibition that simplified complex data and technology issues through mixed media installations.
Participants lauded the festival for its role in amplifying African-led innovation, advancing inclusive tech solutions, and fostering cross-sector knowledge exchange critical to addressing the continent’s unique development challenges. Read more.
