iAfrikan BYTES iAfrikan Media

In conversation with Avishkar Bhoopchand, a native of Cape Town whose career path from software engineer in the financial sector to research engineer at DeepMind perfectly embodies the combination of technical expertise and creative thinking required in today's AI environment.
A noteworthy contribution made by Avishkar to the AI community is his participation in the Deep Learning Indaba. As the general co-chair of the 2023 Indaba, which took place in Ghana, he was instrumental in putting together one of the biggest AI events in Africa. Insights into the General Chairs' cooperation with the Local Organizing Committee to make the Indaba a success will be provided by Avishkar, who will also emphasize the event's careful planning and community involvement.

Join us as we delve into Avishkar Bhoopchand's compelling journey and explore the future of AI in Africa, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

Episodes were recorded at Ghana, Accra, at the Deep Learning Indaba 2023.

We speak with Vukosi Marivate, a well known authority on data science and artificial intelligence. We delved deeply into the revolutionary possibilities of Data Science and AI in tackling societal issues during our talk with Marivate. A new age of research and development in Africa is being ushered in by his work at the University of Pretoria and his participation in events such as the Deep Learning Indaba. In addition to developing the subject of data science, Vukosi's vision and efforts are motivating a new generation of practitioners and researchers who are committed to changing the world.

The Deep Learning Indaba has been instrumental in fostering a community of AI enthusiasts and experts in Africa. Vukosi recounted the progress made since its inception, including the annual gatherings that bring together hundreds of participants from diverse backgrounds. Looking ahead, he discussed the future directions of the Indaba, focusing on expanding its reach, enhancing capacity-building efforts, and creating more opportunities for African researchers to showcase their work on the global stage.

Episodes were recorded at Ghana, Accra, at the Deep Learning Indaba 2023.

Are you passionate about data science and machine learning? Meet Kathleen Siminyu, a dynamic data scientist and researcher at the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), who excels not only in driving technical innovation but also in fostering inclusivity and community within the field.

In this exclusive interview, Kathleen shares insights into her impactful work, particularly her experiences at Africa’s Talking, her passion for community engagement, and her mission to democratize data science. She discusses her collaborative projects with major partners like Google and other leading organizations, aiming to nurture budding data scientists across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Join us to explore Kathleen's path as a self-taught data scientist, her experiences as a woman in technology, and her forward-thinking views on the future of data science.

In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we are honoured to have Prof. Ulrich Paquet, a leading expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a career spanning over two decades, Ulrich is currently the Director at AIMS South Africa, an institute dedicated to advancing mathematical sciences. Prof. Paquet earned his PhD in Machine Learning from the University of Cambridge’s Computer Laboratory, highlighting his profound academic expertise.
Prof. Ulrich Paquet takes us through the evolution of artificial intelligence in South Africa. He provides a historical overview of the country’s AI winter, a period when progress in the sector was largely stagnant, and discusses its vibrant resurgence as AI technology has advanced and gained widespread popularity.
Furthermore, Prof. Paquet shares insights from his time at Microsoft Research, where he contributed to the development of the Xbox One console, illustrating the pivotal role of academic research in industry applications.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with one of the foremost minds in AI and machine learning.

In this episode of iAfrikan BYTES, we delve into the vibrant world of AI and machine learning in Africa with Amal Rannen-Triki, a seasoned researcher and advocate for ML communities across the continent. Amal begins by introducing us to IndabaX, a grassroots movement aiming to democratize AI education and foster local ML talent. She highlights the significance of these small, localized events happening in 47 African states, providing invaluable learning and networking opportunities for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

As a member of the Deep Learning Indaba steering committee, Amal shares insights into the challenges of organizing the Indaba, particularly navigating the uncertainties inherent in coordinating across diverse regions with varying infrastructural and logistical considerations.

Join us as we explore the journey of the Indaba and the remarkable efforts of individuals like Amal Rannen-Triki in shaping the future of AI and machine learning in Africa, one community at a time.

Four months away from the start of Deep Learning Indaba in Senegal, we are joined by one of the Indaba’s founders, Dr. Shakir Mohamed. As a board member of NeurIPS and recognised as one of Time Magazine's '100 Most Influential People in AI,' Dr Mohamed has made substantial contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning

In this episode, Dr Mohamed reflects on the early years of Indaba and describes how the initiative strengthens opportunities and connections within the African ecosystem, making significant contributions to the global body of machine learning and artificial intelligence research.  

Dr. Mohamed also shares his personal journey, inspired by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, the current rector of the United Nations University, to pursue postgraduate studies. He discusses how advancements in AI and machine learning are transforming industries and integrating academic disciplines.