The four-day ACT-Africa 2026 workshop, themed “Introduction to Foundation Models for Addressing African Community Challenges,” successfully concluded on September 9th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa . The landmark event brought together researchers, data scientists and developers from across the continent and the globe to tackle a critical challenge: adapting powerful AI technologies to fit Africa’s unique contexts, languages, and developmental priorities.
Organized by the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) at the University of Michigan, in partnership with Addis Ababa University (AAU) and with the financial support of Schmidt Sciences, the workshop aimed to move beyond simply using existing AI models—which are often trained on non-African data—to empowering African experts to build and adapt their own solutions. The leading organizing team composed of Dr. Yonas Minalu Emagnu and Dr. Desalegn Wagesso from Addis Ababa University, Dr. Valence Habyarimana from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Dr. Joan Onyango from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Dr. Anthony Pembere from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Building Skills for an African AI Ecosystem
A core objective of the workshop was to equip participants with practical, hands-on skills. The agenda moved from foundational theory to real-world application, covering topics such as how foundation models work, responsible AI practices, and their application in key sectors .
Participants engaged in lectures, live demonstrations, and breakout sessions focused on Africa’s critical areas: agriculture, health, manufacturing, infrastructure, and climate and environment . A notable highlight was a hackathon where attendees collaborated in thematic groups to tackle specific challenges, applying their newly acquired skills to develop practical AI-driven solutions .
Fostering Collaboration and Looking Ahead
The event was structured to foster a growing network of AI innovators. Beyond the technical sessions, participants took part in a guided tour of Addis Ababa and the Ethiopian AI Institute, gaining valuable exposure to the country’s burgeoning AI landscape .
The workshop also strategically coincided with the upcoming Ethiopian New Year, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural festivities . By the conclusion of the event, ACT-Africa 2026 had successfully created a platform for knowledge exchange, strengthened partnerships, and laid the groundwork for an AI ecosystem in Africa that is not just a consumer of global technology, but a creator and innovator in its own right.
