DataDotOrg 140d ago

Most of Africa's 3,000+ languages remain predominantly oral and undocumented, limiting students' ability to build AI tools that serve their own communities. Join us for a 90-minute session exploring how the African Language Digitization Playbook—developed by data.org, Data Science Nigeria, University of Lagos, and University of Pretoria—provides practical methodologies for universities to address this critical gap in AI education infrastructure. Our speakers will discuss: - University-led implementation of the playbook in academic settings - Cross-disciplinary collaboration bridging computer science, linguistics, health, and African studies - Growing field momentum in small language models and workforce relevance This session is part of the AI4EAC Innovation Challenge, a regional AI skills-building program targeting university students across 8 East African countries.