Akili — Swahili for intelligence

AARC

Akili African Robotics Community

A network of African roboticists connecting practitioners across the continent and beyond — fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual support to amplify African voices in global robotics.

21+
Countries reached
50+
Workshop attendees
3
Workshops held
Pan‑African
Partner institutions
Akili African Robotics Community logo
Mission
Access · Collaboration · Education
Rooted in
African intelligence & innovation

About AARC

A growing continental robotics community.

AARC connects researchers, students, engineers, and innovators building intelligent systems across Africa. We're actively expanding — check back for updates on new programs and opportunities.

Coming soon

Annual Robotics Workshop
Returning in 2026 at the Deep Learning Indaba
Soon
African Robotics Summer School
A multi-day intensive — currently in planning
Soon
Outreach & School Programs
Bringing robotics to the next generation
Soon

By the numbers

21+
Countries represented
50+
Workshop attendees
3
Annual workshops held
Pan‑African
Partner labs & institutions
Our community is growing. Join the Discord to stay informed about upcoming workshops, the summer school, and outreach opportunities as they are announced.
Join the community

Events & Workshops

Bringing African robotics researchers and builders together.

From Deep Learning Indaba workshops to IEEE satellite events, AARC has been fostering robotics collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the continent. View some of our recent projects below.

African Innovation Network

Robotics is growing across the continent.

From universities and research labs to startups and innovation hubs, African roboticists are doing world-class work. AARC exists to connect these communities, bridge gaps in access and visibility, and build a shared foundation for the continent's intelligent systems future.

Organising Committee

The people driving AARC forward.

A team of researchers, engineers, and community builders working across Africa and beyond to grow the robotics ecosystem.

Ndivhuwo Makondo
Ndivhuwo Makondo
General Chair
IBM Research Africa · Wits University
Jenalea Rajab
Jenalea Rajab
Treasurer
AI Research Scientist & CTO
Sicelukwanda Zwane
Sicelukwanda Zwane
Events Chair
Kinisi Robotics · UCL
Alexandra Barry
Alexandra Barry
Outreach Chair
RAIL Lab, Wits University
Geraud Nangue Tasse
Geraud Nangue Tasse
Industry Partnerships Chair
RAIL Lab, Wits University
Tamlin Love
Tamlin Love
Academic Partnerships Chair
IRI, CSIC-UPC
Zukisa Mbuli
Zukisa Mbuli
Publicity Chair
Wits University

Join the movement

Be part of the African robotics community.

Join our Discord to connect with researchers, students, and engineers across the continent — and stay in the loop on events and opportunities.