Theme: Impact of Big Data and applied statistics on artificial intelligence: Producing Capacity Building Tools and Research which matters for Developing Countries
14-15 April 2027
Venue: UCT Graduate School of Business and Marriott Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data technologies, and modern statistical methodologies offers unprecedented opportunities for accelerating economic growth, transforming industries, and improving governance in developing countries. However, gaps remain between theory and practical implementation, as well as between private-sector innovation and academic research. Join policymakers, industry experts, innovators, scholars, and data professionals for a transformative two-day annual conference designed to bridge the gap between practical application and academic research.
To begin to address the challenges outlined above, the Africagrowth Institute, in partnership universities, major technology institutions, governments IT/Statistical Services and other organisations, are organising a 2-day global conference to discuss critical issues around big data, applied statistics/computing and artificial intelligence at Cape Town (South Africa) on 27-28 May 2026.
| The Conference will focus (not exclusively) on the following: | |
|
· Big Data Analytics- with applications in areas including finance, engineering, health, marketing, and social media, etc. · Data infrastructure & tools- cloud computing platforms, data management systems and databases, data governance and quality assurance etc. · Applied statistical/computing methods and models in the areas of artificial intelligence– covering areas including artificial intelligence (AI), Bayesian Statistics & probabilistic modelling, computer vision & image recognition, Reinforcement learning algorithms, ethical considerations in AI, etc. |
· Data Privacy, Security and Ethics– ethical guidelines for AI’s big data research and applications, secure data sharing and encryption methods, regulatory compliance issues, bias and fairness of AI algorithms & decision-making · Practical Applications & Case studies- Real world application of big data analytics, statistical applications and AI, case studies from healthcare, finance, e-commerce, transportation, energy etc. · Future trends & innovations- emerging technologies and trends in big data, statistical applications and AI, predictions for the future of data-driven technologies etc. |
Who should Attend?
| · Academics | · Postgraduate Students |
| · Data Scientists & Analysts | · AI Researchers & Practitioners |
| · Other Researchers | · Government Statisticians and IT Specialist |
| · Technology professionals | · Entrepreneurs and start-ups |
| · Industry experts and consultants | · Foundations & Funding Agencies |
| · Other policy makers | · Youth & Women Development Agencies |
Conference Coordination
Topics and all other admin-related questions should be to be addressed to Dina Potgieter at info@africagrowth.com.
Fees
Conference Fee is from $250 for non-presenters and $300 for academic presenters. The fee will cover lunches, tea/coffee breaks with snacks, venue hire and admin cost.
Deadline for submission of abstracts and full conference registration 15 March 2027
Key Contacts
Administrative Queries
Mrs. Dina Potgieter
Tel: +27 21-914 6778
dina@africagrowth.com
Scientific Queries
Professor Nicholas Biekpe
Tel: +27 21-914 6778
nicholas@africagrowth.com