VolkswagenStiftung grant for “Charting New Territory: Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies”

I'm delighted to share that Vincent Hiribarren and I have received generous funding from the VolkswagenStiftung to organise "Charting New Territory: Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies", a scoping workshop which will take place from 18 to 20 February 2026 at the Conference Centre in Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover.

Around thirty colleagues from Africa, Europe and North America will come together for three days of structured dialogue and practical planning. The focus will be on collaboration and strategy rather than formal talks.

We will focus on three practical questions:

• How should DH and AI evolve within African Studies?
• What academic conditions and infrastructures are needed?
• How do we move from intentions around equity and decolonisation to concrete changes in practice?

Instead of giving presentations, participants will work together to write a position paper containing actionable recommendations for research funders, universities, technology developers, and policymakers. The aim is to promote the ethical and equitable advancement of DH and AI in African Studies.

If you work at this intersection, what examples, tools or considerations should we be aware of? We welcome your suggestions!