Call For Abstracts
Bring your research to BUILD 2026.
BUILD 2026 invites researchers, academics, practitioners, doctoral researchers and emerging scholars to submit abstracts that contribute to the conversation around Africa’s shared compute and AI infrastructure future.
Overview
What we're looking for
BUILD 2026 brings together the people building Africa’s AI ecosystem — infrastructure planners, economists, policymakers, researchers and innovators — to advance the compute, investment, policy and partnerships the continent needs.
It’s where the continent works out how to expand access to shared compute, unlock the economic value of AI, strengthen digital sovereignty, build trusted governance and turn research into scale.
Note on the submission window: the abstract submission deadline is yet to be announced!
Submit early expressions of interest via the form below and we’ll notify you as soon as the closing date and full guidelines are confirmed.
Abstracts must fit one track
Each abstract is reviewed for relevance to the track, evidence quality and continental applicability. Interdisciplinary work that crosses tracks is welcome; please identify a primary track in your submission.
Who can submit
Researchers, academics, policy analysts and practitioners working on African AI infrastructure, economics, governance or deployment.
Themes
Submissions must map to one of the six BUILD thematic tracks.
Format
250–500 word abstract plus optional full paper or working-paper PDF.
Abstract submission
Complete the form below to propose a research presentation at BUILD 2026.