IMPORTANT: WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE IS ONLY POSSIBLE FOR REGISTERED INDABA ATTENDEES !
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SAVE THE DATE: 2-7 August 2026
SAVE THE DATE: 2-7 August 2026
About
About
QML4Africa returns for its second edition at Deep Learning Indaba 2026, building on the success of last year’s workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, which brought together nearly 100 participants from across the continent. This interactive workshop aims to make Quantum Computing (QC) and Quantum Machine Learning (QML) more accessible to African researchers, students, and practitioners through a combination of foundational lectures and hands-on coding sessions using IBM’s Qiskit SDK. Participants will explore core quantum concepts, practical implementations, and emerging opportunities at the intersection of AI and quantum technologies, while connecting with a growing community dedicated to advancing Africa’s quantum ecosystem.
Keen to showcase your work??
Keen to showcase your work??
Submit your poster abstract here. The top 3 peer-reviewed abstracts will be selected for a lightning talk, and the rest will be invited to present their posters to attendees during the networking session. Abstracts must showcase a link to quantum computing or quantum machine learning but may be a proposal, research progress or summary of own published work.
Submit your poster abstract here. The top 3 peer-reviewed abstracts will be selected for a lightning talk, and the rest will be invited to present their posters to attendees during the networking session. Abstracts must showcase a link to quantum computing or quantum machine learning but may be a proposal, research progress or summary of own published work.
Topic Ideas
Topic Ideas
Quantum Machine Learning
Quantum Data Preprocessing
Quantum Natural Language Processing
Quantum Game Theory
Quantum Algorithms
Quantum Optimization
AI for Quantum Computing and QML
Quantum Error Mitigation and Correction
Quantum Applications (Healthcare, Finance, IoT...)
Important dates:
Important dates:
Deadline for abstract submissions: 20 July 2026
Abstract acceptance notification: 22 July 2026
Registration/RSVP deadline: 30 July 2026
Workshop date: TBA
Keynote Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Maria Schuld
Dr. Maria Schuld
Dr. Maria Schuld is a leading researcher in quantum machine learning and one of the pioneers of the field. She is currently a Senior Researcher and Software Developer at Xanadu Quantum Technologies, where she leads research on quantum machine learning and contributed to the development of the widely used quantum software framework PennyLane. Maria earned her PhD in Physics from University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2017, focusing on the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning.
Aliyu Ibrahim Usman
Aliyu Ibrahim Usman
Founder & CEO at Kwantom
Aliyu Ibrahim Usman is a cybersecurity researcher, innovation leader, and institution builder focused on developing Africa's technological capacity through education, research, and ecosystem development. He is the founder and CEO of Cyber Cadets Academy, an organization dedicated to cybersecurity education, workforce development, and emerging technology initiatives. He is also the author of the Nigerian Quantum Strategy proposal, a roadmap aimed at guiding the country's long-term development in quantum education, research, infrastructure, industry, and policy.
More To be Announced...
Organizers
Organizers
Dr. Stephanie Müller
Dr. Stephanie Müller is a Staff Research Scientist and Technical lead for the team working on Quantum Applications at IBM Research Africa. Based in the South Africa lab, Stephanie leads a diverse team of researchers in their quest to demonstrate quantum utility in the domain of healthcare and life sciences. With degrees spanning Human Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical sciences, Stephanie is able to bridge the gap between new technologies and domain applications of global interest. Stephanie was part of the 2024 ICLR Workshops Organizing Committee and is a member of the 2025 DLIx South Africa Programme Chairs.Dr. Stephanie Müller
Yousra Farhani
Yousra Farhani
Founder of Quantum Africa, pan-African initiative dedicated to advancing quantum technologies, empowering researchers, and expanding access to quantum education across the continent. PhD researcher at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, specializing in quantum compilation and fault-tolerant quantum computing for quantum chemistry applications. Holder of an Engineering Degree and a Master’s degree in Information Technologies, with previous experience as a Quantum Machine Learning researcher working on quantum NLP and scalable quantum algorithms. Passionate about advancing quantum education, research, and inclusive scientific communities across Africa.
Dr. Nouhaila Innan
Dr. Nouhaila Innan is a Research Team Lead at eBRAIN Lab, Division and a Postdoctoral Associate at the Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS) at New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi. She earned her PhD in Quantum Machine Learning from Hassan II University of Casablanca, where she also completed her Bachelor's in Physics and Master's in Physics and New Technologies, specializing in materials and nanomaterials. Her research focuses on quantum machine learning, quantum algorithms, and their applications in fields like finance and healthcare. Dr. Innan is passionate about mentoring and making quantum technologies accessible through global initiatives.Dr. Nouhaila Innan
Ndivhuwo Nyase
Ndivhuwo Nyase is a Research Scientist at IBM Research Africa, working on Quantum Applications for Healthcare and Life Sciences. Based in the South Africa lab, he advances hybrid quantum-classical machine learning models for cancer research and biomarker discovery. With a strong background in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Topological Data Analysis, he also leads quantum advocacy efforts, organizing meetups, workshops, and collaborations to drive the growth of quantum computing in Africa. Ndivhuwo Nyase
Dr. Walid El Maouaki
Postdoctoral Associate at the Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS) at New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi. Focus on enhancing the security and reliability of quantum computing, with a particular focus on critical applications in healthcare and cybersecurity. Co-founder of Quantum Africa.Dr. Walid El Maouaki
Dr. Lebohang Mashatola
Dr. Lebohang Mashatola is a Research Scientist working on quantum machine learning applications at the IBM Research Africa (South Africa lab). With a background rooted in cancer biology and bioinformatics, Lebohang's research focus has evolved towards using quantum computing with the aim of incorporating his domain knowledge into quantum research at IBM, facilitating its practical application in the healthcare sector.Dr. Lebohang Mashatola
Jibril Abdullahi
Jibril Abdullahi
Nigerian physicist and researcher whose work focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Quantum Machine Learning (QML). He graduated as one of the top students in the Department of Physics at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology. Jibril is currently a Research Intern at QIntern 2026 (QWorld). His research interests lie at the intersection of the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of AI, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, He is an active member of Quantum Africa.
OTENE SUNDAY THANKGOD
OTENE SUNDAY THANKGOD
Passionate Quantum Machine Learning enthusiast and active member of the Quantum Nigeria community. With a strong interest in applying quantum technologies to solve real-world problems in Africa, he is currently developing a Hybrid Quantum-Classical Solar Power Forecasting model with Uncertainty Quantification targeted at improving the resilience of mini-grids in Nigeria.
He has been actively involved in building the local quantum ecosystem through Quantum Nigeria
Dr. Aviwe Kohlakala
Dr. Aviwe Kohlakala
Dr. Aviwe Kohlakala is a Postdoctoral Research Intern in the Quantum Applications team at IBM Research Africa (South Africa lab). Aviwe’s background is rooted in a sturdy education in mathematics, with a focus in mathematical modelling and digital Science which involves areas such as digital image processing, computer vision, machine learning, and medical imaging.
Somtochukwu Igwegbe
Somtochukwu Igwegbe
Physics graduate whose work sits at the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and decentralized technologies. He is part of the R&D team at Quantum Africa. His research interests include quantum algorithms, post-quantum cryptography, physics-informed machine learning, and decentralized AI networks such as Bittensor. He is passionate about building technologies that accelerate scientific discovery and expand access to quantum computing across Africa.
Promise Omoigui
Promise Omoigui
Computer Scientist, AI researcher, and community builder whose work spans artificial intelligence, Quantum ML, and AI governance. She has led and contributed to multiple research and startup initiatives focused on applying AI to real-world challenges in healthcare, digital trust, and public-interest technology. She is passionate about expanding access to emerging technologies through education, research, and community-driven innovation.
Destiny Omoruyi
Destiny Omoruyi
Computer Scientist and Researcher with a background in software engineering. At Agama Labs, He is helping build the largest corpus of endangered languages in Africa while advancing AI research focused on human sustainability and growth. His work sits at the intersection of computation and impact — using technology to preserve linguistic diversity and support research that serves broader societal needs.
Questions?
Drop us a mail and we'll respond as soon as possible: qml4africa@gmail.com
Code of Conduct
This workshop follows the Deep Learning Indaba Code of Conduct
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