Abstract

This scoping workshop addresses the critical convergence of digital humanities (DH) and artificial intelligence (AI) within African studies. While this intersection offers transformative potential, it also poses pressing challenges in terms of equity, linguistic diversity and methodology. This three-day working meeting will provide a dedicated space for international experts from Africa, Europe, and other regions to assess the current state of the field and collaboratively shape its future. Through intensive exchange—prioritising discussion over presentations—participants will explore methodological integration, equitable North-South/South-South collaboration and ethical frameworks in structured work streams. The aim is to develop actionable strategies for the ethical and sustainable advancement of DH/AI in African studies. A key outcome to ensure lasting impact will be a co-authored position paper outlining key findings and strategic recommendations to guide future research, policy and funding and thereby consolidate this emerging field.

Publication Details

Event
Charting New Territory: Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies
Location
Xplanatorium Herrenhausen, Hanover
Country
Germany
Language
English
Year
2026

Participants

Frédérick Madore
Co-organizer
Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient
Vincent Hiribarren
Co-organizer
King's College London
Shola Adenekan
Participant
Ghent University
Nuraddin Aman
Participant
Addis Ababa University
Érika Melek Delgado
Participant
King's College London
Augustine Farinola
Participant
University of Alberta
Britta Frede
Participant
University of Bayreuth
Susan Elizabeth Gagliardi
Participant
Emory University
Thompson Kwarkye Gyedu
Participant
University of Galway
Ashleigh Harris
Participant
Uppsala University
Albrecht Hofheinz
Participant
University of Oslo
Karen Ijumba
Participant
Open Restitution Africa
Leah Junck
Participant
Global Center on AI Governance
Fu'ad Lawal
Participant
Archivi.ng
Cassandra Mark-Thiesen
Participant
University of Bayreuth
Fabrice Melka
Participant
Institut des mondes africains
Duncan Money
Participant
Independant researcher
Irene Mwendwa
Participant
Tech Policy Expert
Fallou Ngom
Participant
Boston University
Emmanuel Ngue Um
Participant
University of Yaounde I
Janeth David Nzenga
Participant
University of Dar es Salaam
Johannes Sibeko
Participant
Nelson Mandela University
Oumou Sidibé
Participant
Projet Archives des Femmes du Mali
Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún
Participant
Independant researcher
Menno van Zaanen
Participant
South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
James Yékú
Participant
University of Kansas
Calum Houston
Student assistant
Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient
Eline Marie Langbo Holm
Student assistant
Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient

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