Deep Learning Indaba data.org Panel

Six years ago Deep Learning Indaba was conceived with two main objectives: increasing African contribution to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and expanding diversity in these fields. As we emerge from a global pandemic, these priorities of enabling substantive and diverse African contribution to AI, ML, and data talent more broadly have never been more important. The social impact sector, in particular, has not harnessed the potential of data, and there is an enormous opportunity to engage organizations and individuals in creating data-driven solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

In this hour-long event, data.org will lead a panel of leaders—Bayo Adekanbi, Dr. Bubacarr Bah, Dr. Agnes (Najjuko) Kiragga, and Dr. Vukosi Marivate—with experience in effecting the transformation of organizations and people to harness the potential of data. Building on findings in data.org’s new report “Workforce Wanted: Data Talent for Social Impact”, panelists will offer perspectives on the four pathways to increasing data talent identified in the report. Reflecting on discussions and observations from the week at Deep Learning Indaba, the panel closes with forward-looking ideas for charting the course forward for data talent across Africa.