Lab Updates & Achievements
Celebrating our journey, milestones, and impact in advancing AI research for agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable development across East Africa.
2025 Research Summary
Accepted Publications (7)
- Journals: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (IF: 8.9), Expert Systems with Applications (IF: 7.5)
- Conferences: AAAI (A*), EurIPS (NeurIPS A*), AfriCHI, Deep Learning Indaba, Data Science Africa
Research in Pipeline
3 Papers Submitted/Under Review in International Journals
Achievements
- Best Poster Award – Deep Learning Indaba 2025
- UNESCO Consultation on AI Readiness for Tanzania
Technical & Community
- Consortiums: MOMI Convention (Gates Foundation), Seattle
- Talks: IIT Madras Chennai, ZRCP Conference
- Outreach: Mapinduzi School, Fumba Town
2025 Highlights
A transformative year of growth, recognition, and impact
Faculty Talk at IIT Madras Chennai
Delivered invited talk at NPTEL CRC 302 Studio, IIT Madras Chennai on "Computing at the Edge of Possibility: Building Agricultural AI for Resource Constrained East Africa" on 11th September 2025.
Data Science & AI Adventures - Mapinduzi Secondary School
Conducted AI awareness and education session for Mapinduzi Secondary School Chaani at IIT Madras Zanzibar Auditorium on August 28th, 2025, promoting AI literacy and inspiring the next generation of African AI researchers.
4th ZRCP Joint Annual Conference
Delivered invited talk at 4th ZRCP Joint Annual Conference, Hotel Verde, Zanzibar on "How can Innovation Modernize the Public Service Delivery and Create Inclusive Digital Economy" on 27th August 2025.
Best Poster Award at Deep Learning Indaba
Won the Best Poster Award in the Publication & Dataset Category at Deep Learning Indaba 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda (16-23 August 2025), for presenting the CARA-FMs Framework for Context-Aware and Responsible AI in East Africa. Also presented oral talk at the Responsible AI Workshop on 21st August 2025.
Data Science Africa Conference
Presented "Prime Directives for Responsible AI for Africa: A Manifesto for Inclusive Technology" at DSA 2025 Workshop, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (virtually) on June 5-6, 2025.
Community Outreach at Fumba Town
Delivered talk on "AI in Action: Transforming Health, Education and Daily Life - A journey through simple Ideas and Big Impact" at Fumba Town - Aura Library on 29th June 2025.
High-Impact Journal Publication
Published research on cassava leaf disease detection in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (IF: 8.9) on May 1, 2025, advancing AI applications in agriculture.
MOMI Consortium Convention
Represented SAAIL Lab at the MOMI Consortium Convention organized by the Gates Foundation in Seattle, US (8-10 April 2025), engaging with global leaders on agricultural innovation and digital transformation.
UNESCO AI Readiness Consultation
Participated in National Stakeholders Consultations for Tanzania on the UNESCO Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) on Artificial Intelligence at Madinat Al Bahr Hotel, Zanzibar on Thursday, 20 February 2025, contributing to national-level AI policy and strategy development.
Lab Establishment & Growth
Successfully established SAAIL Lab at IIT Madras Zanzibar, recruited talented MTech students, and initiated multiple research projects in agriculture AI, healthcare imaging, and assistive technologies.
Strategic Partnerships
Established collaborations with RuTAG IIT Madras Chennai for agricultural data ecosystems, Penn State University for medical imaging research, and Cadre Technologies for assistive technology development.
Research Impact Metrics
Growing research portfolio with 25 publications, 994 citations (h-index: 14, i10-index: 15), and multiple ongoing projects addressing real-world challenges in East Africa through AI innovation and ethical technology development.
Looking Forward
2025 has been a year of remarkable growth and recognition for SAAIL Lab. From winning the Best Poster Award at Deep Learning Indaba to consulting with UNESCO on AI policy, we have demonstrated the power of ethical, context-aware AI research that bridges cutting-edge innovation with practical impact.
Our work continues to address the unique challenges faced by East African communities—whether improving agricultural productivity through precision farming, advancing healthcare diagnostics, or creating assistive technologies for accessibility. Every project reflects our commitment to responsible innovation and community engagement.
We thank all members of the lab and our partners for a year of impactful research. We look forward to scaling our efforts in 2026!
Dr. Innocent Nyalala
Founding Principal Investigator, SAAIL Lab