Amid an atmosphere of research and innovation, the University of Rwanda is hosting the eighth Data Science Africa (DSA) Conference, bringing together researchers in data science to discuss issues related to the field and their potential for socio-economic development. Themed ‘Harnessing Data Science for Africa's Socio-Economic Development’, the conference is taking place at the University’s Gikondo campus, home to the African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACEDS). It will run until May 12th. The prominent features of the conference include a summer school focused on machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as a workshop featuring paper presentations and interactive panel discussions to highlight the work being done within the African data science community. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Didas Kayihura Muganga, declared that the two programs will play a crucial role in evaluating the impact of data science on socio-economic transformation, emphasizing that participants will examine the interventions developed by data scientists to address contemporary global challenges. “Incorporating data science enables us to identify the issues and challenges at hand, and the scientists will assist us in developing methodologies to address and resolve these matters effectively. The researchers will present their findings, and we will assess the feasibility of implementing these interventions, whether here or in other countries,” he explained. Muganga stated that representatives from the University of Rwanda are set to exchange ideas with their counterparts from various regions to explore the possibility of replicating their findings elsewhere and reciprocally. He also emphasised the widespread application of data science across sectors, enabling institutions to assess their progress based on data and make informed decisions. He declared that the university can also evaluate its own research and teaching development from 2010 to 2023, enabling them to formulate well-informed plans for the future with the use of data. Ciira Maina, Board Chair for Data Science Africa, said there is a growing recognition of the importance of expertise in data science across the continent. He highlighted potential opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, where data science can enhance food production, as well as in finance, insurance, and health. Maina mentioned that they anticipate the participation of 250 individuals from 10 East African countries, along with Algeria, Eswatini, Cameroon, and Nigeria, in both the summer school and workshop of the DSA conference. He further mentioned that prominent tech companies like Arm, Edge Impulse, and Deep Mind are among the sponsors, and they will interact with students, providing valuable learning opportunities. This, he said, will also foster collaboration between industry and academia in the field of data science. Natividad Mkara, a data science master’s student at Strathmore University in Kenya, expressed her intention to utilise data science to address spatial analysis challenges, particularly in understanding the impact of climate change on food security within her country. Furthermore, she aspires to establish her own consulting company as a data science analyst. Participating in the GSA conference, Mkara said she aims to connect with fellow participants and forge potential collaborations for future endeavours. Pacifique Ufitinema, a student at UR’s ACEDS, envisions employing her skills to assist organisations in making data-driven decisions and enabling individuals to comprehend information derived from big data at their own level of understanding. Through DSA Conference, Ufitinema eagerly anticipates the opportunity to learn from other data science students and professionals in different environments, with the objective of expanding her network and broadening her knowledge.
