# Charting New Territory: Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies

- **Type:** Academic event
- **Speakers:** Frédérick Madore and Vincent Hiribarren
- **Event:** Charting New Territory: Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies
- **Location:** Xplanatorium Herrenhausen, Hanover
- **Country:** Germany
- **Date:** 18-20 February 2026
- **Language:** English
- **Project:** [Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies](https://www.frederickmadore.com/research/dh-ai-african-studies.md)
- **Tags:** Digital Humanities, AI, African Studies, Decolonisation, Workshop, Volkswagen Foundation
- **Web page:** https://www.frederickmadore.com/communications/volkswagenstiftung-dh-ai-african-studies-workshop-2026

## 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)

## Links

- [Workshop Website](https://fmadore.github.io/dh-ai-african-studies-2026/)