Thematic tracks
Six tracks, one continental agenda
BUILD 2026 invites abstracts that examine the infrastructure, economic, political, social and institutional dimensions of Africa’s emerging AI ecosystem. Contributions may be theoretical, empirical, comparative or policy-oriented and may cut across more than one thematic area.
Infrastructure
This theme focuses on the infrastructure required to develop and scale AI in Africa, including shared compute, high-performance computing, cloud infrastructure, data centres, energy, connectivity and sustainable infrastructure. We welcome research on how infrastructure can be financed, developed and shared across institutions and countries, as well as the technical and policy conditions required to expand access to compute.
Economy
This theme examines the economic implications of AI infrastructure and adoption. Contributions may explore the value of compute, productivity, industrial competitiveness, labour markets, skills, investment and financing, as well as the economic models that can support the development of AI infrastructure in African markets.
Geopolitics
AI is increasingly becoming a question of strategic capacity and international relations. This theme considers digital sovereignty, regional cooperation, international partnerships, strategic infrastructure and Africa’s position in the emerging global AI order. Contributions may also examine technology dependencies, competition over infrastructure and the implications of global AI governance for African countries.
Governance & Ethics
This theme considers who has access to AI, who participates in its development and who benefits from it. Contributions may examine affordability, accessibility, digital inequality, indigenous languages, representation, local ownership, gender and inclusion, as well as the distribution of AI’s benefits and risks across different communities.
Tech Justice
This theme examines the institutions, policies and principles needed to guide the responsible development and use of AI. Areas of interest include AI regulation, accountability, transparency, explainability, assurance, data governance, privacy, safety, human rights and cross-border cooperation. Contributions may also consider how governance approaches can build trust while allowing space for innovation.
Innovation Catalysis
This theme focuses on the conditions that enable AI research and ideas to move into products, services and wider use. Contributions may examine entrepreneurship, commercialisation, technology transfer, intellectual property, research-industry collaboration, university innovation, investment and startup ecosystems, as well as pathways from research to market