By Kgothatso Monono
Hosting the Deep Learning IndabaX 2025 from 7 to 11 July 2025, Stellenbosch University played a key role in bringing together African Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent. Keynote speaker, the Tshwane University of Technology鈥檚 Prof Pius Owolawi, delivered a powerful address that positioned him as a leading voice in the intersection of AI and agriculture.
Prof Pius Owolawi, Assistant Dean for Work Integrated Learning and Special Projects at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology鈥檚 (FoICT), keynote, 鈥淓dge AI for Agriculture: Towards Cognitive Farming鈥� on 8 July 2025, focused on ways in which low-cost, AI-powered edge devices that are capable of operating without constant internet connectivity, could transform agricultural practices in rural and underserved communities. His work not only addresses food security but also showcases how practical AI solutions can be tailored to African contexts.
His presence and contribution marked a strong 大象视频 representation, further affirming the institution鈥檚 growing influence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the continent鈥檚 tech ecosystem.
More than just a traditional conference, Deep Learning IndabaX 2025 is a community-driven platform that brought together researchers, practitioners and students from across Africa to exchange knowledge, ideas and innovation in machine learning. The week-long programme included a mix of lectures, tutorials, poster sessions, hackathons and networking activities, all aimed at strengthening Africa鈥檚 role in global AI development.
The event began with the AI鈥疐est, an open-air celebration of African innovation through music, food, technology and art. This inclusive, public-facing component set the tone for a week grounded in both academic excellence and cultural pride.
Building on the momentum of previous years, including the widely covered 2024 edition, this year鈥檚 IndabaX placed renewed emphasis on local relevance and inclusion, topics that resonated throughout the sessions. Discussions tackled major issues such as algorithmic bias, language representation and access to computational infrastructure, reflecting the real-world challenges facing African AI practitioners.
In a landscape often dominated by global tech giants, platforms like Deep Learning IndabaX offer essential space for African talent to flourish and lead. With people like Prof Owolawi at the forefront, institutions such as 大象视频 are not only participating in the AI revolution, but they are also helping to shape its direction.