By Carolyne Nyokabi

[May 19, 2025]   Daystar University plans to host a conference on AI and Higher Education in Africa, in 2026.  

Announcing the plans through the Infospot, the Director of Resource Mobilization, Ms. Jacqueline Mathaga, revealed that the high-level conference will bring together scholars, technologists, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on tertiary education across the continent. 

Ms. Jacqueline Mathaga added that the conference is envisioned as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaborative research that advances Africa’s digital transformation and educational resilience.

The 2026 conference  is part of a series of activities through which Daystar University is actively engaging partners, donors, and policymakers to mobilize resources that will drive AI-focused initiatives.

These efforts are a response to the emerging need to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the AI-driven economy.  Recognizing the urgency, the Daystar University Directorate of Resource Mobilization has committed to develop strategic partnerships to:

• Enhance AI literacy and skills development by integrating AI-related courses into our curriculum.
• Foster research and innovation through collaborations with leading tech firms and institutions.
• Equip students with real-world experience by expanding internship and mentorship programs in AI-related fields.
• Ensure inclusivity in AI education, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women and marginalized communities.

With Africa's youth population projected to reach 830 million by 2050, there is a pressing need for strategic interventions that will position them as active participants in the global digital revolution. AI is already reshaping industries, from education and healthcare to finance and agriculture, creating vast opportunities for innovation, employment, and economic growth. However, without deliberate efforts to integrate AI into Africa’s educational systems, the continent risks widening the digital divide.

The transformative potential of AI for Africa’s youth cannot be overstated. By investing in education, infrastructure, and research, we can unlock new economic opportunities and drive sustainable development.

The 2026 conference will discuss both theoretical and practical dimensions of AI integration, with a strong emphasis on equity, ethics, innovation, and African-centered solutions.  

“We are calling on all stakeholders—from government and the private sector to international organizations—to join us in shaping an AI-powered future where African youth are not just consumers but innovators and leaders in the global AI space,” said Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro. 

For partnership opportunities and more information on how you can support AI education and innovation at Daystar University, contact the Directorate of Resource Mobilization on drm@daystar.ac.ke 

Story by DRM Reporter: Source; https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-century-african-youth-peter-owotoki-legxf/