BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ACTS | African Centre for Technology Studies - ECPv6.13.2.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:ACTS | African Centre for Technology Studies X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://acts-net.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ACTS | African Centre for Technology Studies REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Africa/Nairobi BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EAT DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250725T150000 DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250725T170000 DTSTAMP:20260108T033155 CREATED:20250714T062852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T063237Z UID:4159-1753455600-1753462800@acts-net.org SUMMARY:Register for Our Webinar: AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge “Advancing Responsive and Inclusive AI Innovations for Sustainable Development in Africa” DESCRIPTION:This webinar is designed to provide applicants with critical information about the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge\, which aims to support and scale responsible\, inclusive\, and sustainable AI innovations addressing development challenges across Africa. The webinar introduces the AI4D Innovation Scaling Challenge\, focusing on how it fosters African-led AI solutions to tackle issues such as Gender Equality\, Disability and Inclusion\, Education & Skills Development\, Agriculture & Food Security\, Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes responsible AI ensuring innovations are ethical\, inclusive\, rights-based\, and sustainable. \nImportant Highlights: \nThe webinar is tailored for potential applicants\, including researchers\, innovators\, startups\, and organizations in Africa working on scalable AI solutions. It covers: \n\nOverview of the AI4D program\, its mission to improve quality of life through responsible AI\, and its evolution\nInnovation Scaling Challenge: highlights details on eligibility\, funding opportunities\, and focus areas like gender equality\, disability and inclusion\, Education and Skills development\, Agriculture and food Security\, Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability\nApplication guidance: Practical advice on the application process\, including deadlines\, requirements\, and alignment with responsible AI principles.\nInsight into how the challenge supports scaling impactful AI solutions\nAn interactive Q&A Session: A segment where attendees can engage with AI4D representatives to clarify doubts and gain deeper understanding.\n\n\nEvent Details: \nDate: 25 July 2025 \nTime: At 3:00 PM EAT / 2:00 PM CAT / 12:00 PM GMT / 1:00 PM WAT \nDuration: 2hrs \nVenue: Online: Insert Registration Link here \nDon’t miss out – reserve your spot today! \nWe look forward to connecting with you and supporting the next generation of inclusive AI URL:https://acts-net.org/event/ai4d-innovation-scaling-challenge-advancing-responsive-and-inclusive-ai-innovations-for-sustainable-development-in-africa/ LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250715T140000 DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250715T170000 DTSTAMP:20260108T033155 CREATED:20250703T055147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T113407Z UID:4095-1752588000-1752598800@acts-net.org SUMMARY:Announcing the Launch of the ACTS AI Institute (ACAII)\, an African-Centered Responsible AI Initiative DESCRIPTION:We are proud to announce the official launch of the ACTS AI Institute\, dedicated to positioning Africa at the forefront of responsible AI innovation and governance. The launch\, themed “Charting the Path Towards an African-Centered AI Future” is scheduled to take place virtually on July 15\, 2025. This online event marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s digital transformation journey\, aligning with continental priorities such as the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063. \nThe Institute will serve as a nexus for research\, policy development\, capacity building and strategic partnerships in the AI domain across Africa. This high-level event will feature thought leaders\, policymakers\, AI experts\, and development professionals discussing the intersection of AI with key socio-economic sectors. \nLaunch details: \n\nDate: Tuesday\, 15 July 2025\nTime: 2:00 – 5:00 PM EAT\nLocation: Zoom | Register here > https://bit.ly/4ezcr0y\n\nSpeakers \n\nLaurent Bochereau\, Minister-Counsellor\, European Union Delegation to the African Union\nNaser Faruqui\, Director\, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)\nProf Bitange Ndemo\, Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium\nProf Brando Okolo\, Head of Science\, Technology\, and Innovation (STI)\, AUDA-NEPAD\nAlfred Oteng-Yeboah\, Chair\, ACTS Governing Council\nDr Veerle Vandeweerd\, Platform for Transformative Technologies\nTom Peter Migun Ogada\, Executive Director\, ACTS\nGillian Dowie\, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)\nEmeritus Berhanu M. Abegaz\, former Executive Director\, African Academy of Sciences\, Ethiopia\nDevotha Nyambo\, Senior Lecturer and Researcher Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology\nDivine Fuh\, Director\, HUMA – Institute for Humanities in Africa\nShem Wandiga\, Former Director\, Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA)\, University of Nairobi (Dean)\n\nModerators \n\nMammo Muchie\, Research Professor\, Tshwane University of Technology\, South Africa\nJohn Ouma Mugabe\, University of Pretoria\nShem Wandiga\, Former Director\, Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA)\, University of Nairobi (Dean)\n\nFor more information\, contact: acaii[@]acts-net.org\, Cc psoy[@]acts-net.org \n\nDownload \n\nACAII Launch Concept note URL:https://acts-net.org/event/announcing-the-launch-of-the-acts-ai-institute-acaii-an-african-centered-responsible-ai-initiative/ CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://acts-net.org/wp-content/uploads/Launch_ACAII.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250313T113000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250313T130000 DTSTAMP:20260108T033155 CREATED:20250304T054547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T054816Z UID:3788-1741865400-1741870800@acts-net.org SUMMARY:Powering change: Women\, youth\, and the clean energy revolution DESCRIPTION:Women and youth face systemic barriers to accessing clean energy opportunities. This panel explores evidence-based policies and business strategies from Africa and MENA to ensure a gender-inclusive energy transition. Experts will discuss skills development\, finance\, and social policies needed to empower women in the clean energy sector. \nAs the world gradually moves towards clean energy\, women and youth risk being left behind. Despite the promise of new jobs and business opportunities in the renewable energy sector\, existing gender inequalities could worsen unless proactive steps are taken. Women already face significant barriers to entering and advancing in the energy industry\, and without targeted policies and business strategies\, the transition to low-carbon energy could further marginalize them. \nThis interactive panel discussion will bring together leading experts to share insights from Africa and the MENA region on how to create a more inclusive clean energy future. Speakers will explore practical\, evidence-based solutions that ensure women and youth are not just included but actively benefit from clean energy opportunities. \nKey discussion areas \n\nUnequal access to clean energy: Across the world\, women have less access to modern\, clean energy sources\, which affects their health\, livelihoods\, and economic opportunities.\nExploitation in clean energy business models: Many small-scale women entrepreneurs face unfair pricing structures and limited access to finance\, preventing them from thriving in the energy sector.\nThe need for gender-responsive policies: Without policies that prioritize gender equity\, the shift to clean energy may deepen economic and social inequalities.\n\nWhy this matters \nThe clean energy transition is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s also about economic growth\, job creation\, and social justice. However\, to fully unlock its potential\, the transition must be gender-sensitive and inclusive. \nWithout proper training\, financial support\, and employment pathways\, many women and young people will miss out on opportunities in the sector. This could slow economic development and make it harder for countries to meet global goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). \nWhat you’ll gain from this event \n\nInsights from leading experts on gender\, energy policy\, and business models.\nReal-world examples of successful policies and initiatives that support women and youth in clean energy.\nActionable recommendations for governments\, businesses\, and development organizations to drive meaningful change.\n\nSpeakers \n\nAnn Kingiri\, African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)\nMichele Diop\, Desjardins International Development (DID)\nHala Abou-Ali\, Economic Research Forum (ERF)\n\nChair \nBipasha Baruah\, Professor & Canada Research Chair in Global Women’s Issues. \nHow to attend \nThis is event is in-person only and for anyone who is attending The Commission on the Status for Women 2025 (UNCSW). URL:https://acts-net.org/event/powering-change-women-youth-and-the-clean-energy-revolution/ LOCATION:CCUN\, 10th Floor\, 777 United Nations Plaza\, New York.\, NY\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://acts-net.org/wp-content/uploads/Women-Youth-Event.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250224 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250226 DTSTAMP:20260108T033155 CREATED:20250128T083316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T083353Z UID:3503-1740355200-1740527999@acts-net.org SUMMARY:CLARE  Seasonal School 2025 DESCRIPTION: URL:https://acts-net.org/event/clare-seasonal-school-2025/ CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://acts-net.org/wp-content/uploads/KB-Workshop4.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250218T140000 DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250218T160000 DTSTAMP:20260108T033155 CREATED:20250217T081156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250224T142457Z UID:3623-1739887200-1739894400@acts-net.org SUMMARY:ACTS Sets to Convene a Mid-Term Review Workshop for the UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund Projects DESCRIPTION:The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in collaboration with the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and the Alan Turing Institute will convene a UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund’s Mid-Term Review Workshop on February 18\, 2025\, in Nairobi\, Kenya. \nThe workshop will bring together project teams\, researchers\, and key stakeholders to assess progress\, share insights\, and strengthen collaboration across AI initiatives in Kenya. \nThis meeting will feature expert presentations\, panel discussions\, and hands-on sessions where participants will discuss implementation challenges\, best practices and actions to refine strategies in efforts to ensure effective application of AI in key sectors. \nAdditionally\, participants will explore ways to incorporate evidence into AI policy development. This will foster a collaborative ecosystem for advancing ethical AI research and practice in Kenya. \nThe UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund was established to support ethical and inclusive AI research while fostering strong collaborations between Kenyan and UK institutions. To drive this agenda\, the Fund supports projects that focus on AI safety\, policy frameworks\, and technical innovations that align with Kenya’s AI strategy. \nThrough a partnership between ACTS\, KICTANet and the Alan Turing Institute\, and key implementing partners\, the Fund seeks to build AI capacity in Kenya and promote alignment with national and global AI governance priorities. \nRelated Resources \n\nKenya-UK partnership on emerging technologies\nUK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund\n\nFor more information about the workshop or the UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund\, please contact: swanjau[@]acts-net.org URL:https://acts-net.org/event/mid-term-review-workshop-for-the-uk-kenya-ai-challenge-fund-projects/ LOCATION:The EKA Hotel\, Nairobi\, Kenya CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://acts-net.org/wp-content/uploads/AI-Challenge-Event.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR