Date
18-20 February 2026
Charting New Territory
Digital Humanities and AI in African Studies
A Scoping Workshop
A working meeting to shape the future of African Studies at the intersection of Digital Humanities and AI. Prioritizing collaborative dialogue over presentations, we convene to co-design the methodological, equitable, and ethical frameworks for this emerging field.
Workshop Purpose
The convergence of digital humanities (DH) and artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential for African studies but risks perpetuating existing inequities in access and representation. This workshop convenes international experts to navigate this terrain, moving beyond observation to design strategic pathways for the field’s ethical and sustainable future.
Assessment to Action
We prioritize production over presentation. Participants will move from assessing current barriers—infrastructure, language, and bias—to co-designing actionable strategies that ensure African epistemologies remain at the center of technological advancement.
Structured Work Streams
Through facilitated dialogue rather than traditional panels, three integrated work streams will tackle critical intersections: Methodological Integration, Equitable North-South/South-South Collaboration, and Ethical Frameworks.
Position Paper
The workshop will culminate in a co-authored strategic roadmap. This document will define the field's direction, offering concrete recommendations to guide future research, funding policies, and institutional decision-making.
Three Work Streams
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Work Stream 1: Methodological Integration & Digital Preservation
Focuses on adapting AI for African linguistic contexts and defining sustainable preservation protocols. Participants will move from mapping current barriers to developing technical standards that bridge computational methods with local infrastructure needs.
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Work Stream 2: Fostering Equitable Collaboration
Centers African epistemologies to redesign research partnerships and resource distribution. This stream aims to create concrete mechanisms for North-South and South-South collaboration that dismantle power imbalances and promote genuine reciprocity.
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Work Stream 3: Ethical Frameworks & Digital Sovereignty
Develops guidelines for data governance and responsible AI implementation. The focus shifts from passive consultation to active co-creation, establishing standards that protect digital sovereignty and ensure equitable knowledge dissemination.
Workshop Organizers
Frédérick Madore
Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient
Vincent Hiribarren
King's College London
This scoping workshop is made possible by the generous support of the Volkswagen Foundation