CitizenSci Africa 2026: Advancing Africa’s Transformation Through Citizen Science, Technology, and AI

Africa is at a defining crossroads. As the continent grapples with climate vulnerability, environmental degradation, public health challenges, and persistent socio-economic inequalities, the need for innovative, inclusive, and context-driven solutions has never been more urgent.

Against this backdrop, CitizenSci Africa is proud to announce its 2nd International Conference, scheduled to hold on 2–3 July 2026 at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. This landmark event will convene researchers, policymakers, technologists, civil society actors, and citizen scientists from across Africa and beyond to explore how citizen science, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) can drive Africa’s sustainable transformation.

Conference Theme

Citizen Science, Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation

The conference will focus on the growing role of citizen-generated data and advanced digital tools in reshaping how knowledge is produced and applied across Africa. From mobile sensing and geospatial platforms to AI-powered analytics, these approaches are redefining participation, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in critical sectors.

Why This Conference Matters

Africa’s development challenges are complex and interconnected. Traditional data systems alone are often insufficient due to gaps in coverage, scale, and accessibility. Citizen science when combined with digital technologies and AI offers a powerful alternative.

This conference will highlight how African knowledge co-production systems are:

• Democratizing data generation and ownership
• Strengthening climate resilience and environmental monitoring
• Improving public health surveillance and air quality assessment
• Enhancing urban governance and disaster risk reduction
• Supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development

Participants will also engage in critical dialogue around the historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of citizen science and AI, particularly within African contexts marked by data scarcity and inequality.

What to Expect

The CitizenSci Africa Association International Conference 2026 will be a physical, in-person event, designed to foster deep engagement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The program will feature:

• Research presentations and paper sessions
• Panel discussions and keynote addresses
• Case studies from across Africa
• Cross-sector conversations bridging science, policy, and community action

Call for Abstracts

Researchers, practitioners, and innovators are invited to submit abstracts aligned with the conference theme and focus areas.

👉 Submit your abstract here:
https://citsciafrica.it.com/conference-2026#submit-abstract

Important Dates to Remember

• Abstract Submission Deadline: January 30, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: February 13, 2026
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026

Join the Movement

The CitizenSci Africa 2026 Conference is more than an academic gathering, it is a call to action. By bringing together citizen science, technology, and artificial intelligence, the conference seeks to unlock new pathways for inclusive knowledge, informed decision-making, and sustainable development across Africa.

Mark your calendar, prepare your submission, and be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s future.