Empowering over 300 leaders from across the continent to build capacity, shape policy, and champion responsible AI in Africa.
Following the resounding success of our inaugural edition in West Africa, the Lawyers Hub is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our second AI Policy Summer School.
Held in Cape Town, South Africa, on February 17th–18th, 2026, this convening marked another major milestone for the Africa AI Policy Lab. It brought together policymakers, regulators, researchers, technologists, civil society, private sector actors, and students to build practical capacity on responsible AI and ensure Africa remains at the forefront of global AI governance.
A Growing Demand for AI Governance Capacity
The response to this year's Summer School was phenomenal. We received over 750 registrations from across the Southern African region, the wider continent, and the diaspora.
During the two-day event, we welcomed 300+ in-person and remote participants from more than 10 countries. The audience was a vibrant mix of representatives from the African Union ecosystem, regulatory bodies, universities, and legal practices. This overwhelming turnout sends a clear signal: the demand for AI governance knowledge is expanding rapidly, and Africa is not just participating in global AI debates—we are actively shaping them.
Gratitude to Our Community and Partners
The thoughtful, practical, and future-oriented discussions would not have been possible without the generous expertise of our distinguished speakers. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
Amb. Dr. Lavina Ramkissoon - African Union
Dr. Joelle Barnes - Judicial Institute for Africa
Linda Bonyo - Lawyers Hub
Dr. More Manda - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Hlengiwe Dube - Digital Policy Expert
Dr. Tobias Schonwetter - University of Cape Town
Dr. Andrew Rens - Research ICT Africa
Adv. Dennis Ramaphonane - AU AI Working Group
Hon. Dr. Adam Mambi - High Court of Tazania
Tshepiso Hadebe - Speaker
Alison Tilley - Judges Matters
Dr Scott Timcke - Research ICT Africa
Dr. Mathilda Twomey - Court of Appeal of Seychelles
Hanani Hlomani - Tech Law Strategist
Dr Dirk Brand - Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Amb. Dr. Lavina Ramkissoon - African Union
Dr. Joelle Barnes - Judicial Institute for Africa
Linda Bonyo - Lawyers Hub
Dr. More Manda - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Hlengiwe Dube - Digital Policy Expert
Dr. Tobias Schonwetter - University of Cape Town
Dr. Andrew Rens - Research ICT Africa
Adv. Dennis Ramaphonane - AU AI Working Group
Hon. Dr. Adam Mambi - High Court of Tazania
Tshepiso Hadebe - Speaker
Alison Tilley - Judges Matters
Dr Scott Timcke - Research ICT Africa
Dr. Mathilda Twomey - Court of Appeal of Seychelles
Hanani Hlomani - Tech Law Strategist
Dr Dirk Brand - Stellenbosch University, South Africa
This initiative was brought to life through the unwavering commitment of our strategic partners, Research ICT Africa and the University of Cape Town. We also extend a special thank you to The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, whose continued support and partnership enable the broader regional AI Policy Summer School series.
Together, we are building a dedicated community of practice working toward responsible, inclusive, and context-aware AI governance across the African continent.
If you missed the sessions or simply want to experience the energy and insights of the Cape Town convening all over again, check out our official event highlight video below!
