Academic Event 18-20 February 2026

Charting New Territory: Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies

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.

Participants

Co-organiser Frédérick Madore University of Bayreuth
Co-organiser Vincent Hiribarren King’s College London
Participant Nuraddin Aman Addis Ababa University, Institute of Ethiopian Studies
Participant Agata Błoch Institute of History, Polish Academy of Sciences
Participant Vera Breitner Bielefeld University
Participant Erika Melek Delgado King’s College London
Participant Britta Frede University of Bayreuth
Participant Susan Elizabeth Gagliardi Emory University
Participant Thompson Gyedu Kwarkye University of Galway
Participant Ashleigh Harris African Literary Metadata (ALMEDA)
Participant Albrecht Hofheinz University of Oslo
Participant Karen Byera Ijumba Open Restitution Africa
Participant Leah Junck Global Center on AI Governance
Participant Fu’ad Lawal Archivi.ng
Participant Cassandra Mark-Thiesen University of Regensburg
Participant Duncan Money Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) project
Participant Irene Mwendwa Sulwe Labs
Participant Augustin Ndione Cheikh Anta Diop University
Participant Fallou Ngom Boston University
Participant Emmanuel Ngue Um University of Yaounde 1
Participant Janeth David Nzenga Ardhi University
Participant Johannes Sibeko Nelson Mandela University
Participant Oumou Sidibe Projet Archives des Femmes du Mali
Participant Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún www.OlongoAfrica.com
Participant Menno van Zaanen South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
Participant James Yékú University of Kansas