# University of Kansas AI and Africa Symposium

- **Type:** Lecture
- **Speakers:** Frédérick Madore
- **Event:** AI and Africa Symposium
- **Series:** Panel I: African History
- **Location:** University of Kansas, Lawrence
- **Country:** United States
- **Date:** 17 September 2026
- **Language:** English
- **Project:** [Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies](https://www.frederickmadore.com/research/dh-ai-african-studies.md)
- **Tags:** AI, Digital Humanities, African Studies, African History, African Literature, Archives
- **Web page:** https://www.frederickmadore.com/communications/ai-africa-symposium-kansas-2026

## Abstract

Building upon our 2026 Connecting Codes Conference in Nairobi and previous African DH symposia, this virtual event features panels dedicated to African history and literature. Speakers will examine how AI systems and discourses shape scholarly production, emphasizing the contributions of active developers, writers, and scholars in the field. The discussions will highlight how AI methodologies and tools invigorate digital humanities research within African studies, reinforcing our commitment to critical and postcolonial approaches to digital technologies at the University of Kansas.

## Participants

- Moderator, Panel I: African History: Rahina Muazu
- Panellist, Panel I: African History: Frédérick Madore (University of Bayreuth)
- Panellist, Panel I: African History: Karen Ijumba (Open Restitution)
- Panellist, Panel I: African History: Fu’ad Lawal (Founder, Archivi.ng)
- Moderator, Panel II: African Writers Discuss AI: Martha Ndakalako
- Panellist, Panel II: African Writers Discuss AI: Mubanga Kalimamukwento (Author of The Shipikisha Club)
- Panellist, Panel II: African Writers Discuss AI: Ukamaka Olisakwe (Author of Don’t Answer When They Call Your Name)
- Panellist, Panel II: African Writers Discuss AI: Munyao Kilolo (Translator and Editor at Ituĩka)

## Links

- [Event Website](https://calendar.ku.edu/event/ai-and-africa-symposium)
- [Slides](https://slides.frederickmadore.com/talks/2026-09-17-kansas-ai-and-the-work-of/)