YARA Research Symposium 2026

Join the Young Africans Research Academy (YARA) for the YARA Research Symposium 2026, bringing our inaugural Fellowship cohort and their research into public view. The symposium marks the culmination of the YARA Fellowship journey for 10 undergraduate researchers who have spent the past year developing original research across artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, agriculture, climate science and public health. Through structured research training, independent inquiry and sustained mentorship, the cohort has developed 16 original research papers exploring questions rooted in African realities, from the use of mobile money data for more inclusive credit scoring and AI applications in health and agriculture to antimalarial drug resistance and climate risk. On 30 September, the Fellows will present this work to researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, funders, students and the wider public. What to expect Keynote PresentationInsights from leading technology and research professionals on the future of African research, innovation, and emerging technology. Fireside ConversationA conversation bringing together YARA Fellows, academics and industry leaders to explore what it takes to move African research from the university into publication, policy and practical application. Fellow Research PresentationsOral presentations from YARA Fellows presenting their research questions, methods, findings and implications, followed by questions and discussion with the audience. Research Poster ShowcaseExplore the cohort's work more closely through poster presentations and engage directly with the Fellows behind the research. Networking & CommunityMeet researchers, university leaders, technology professionals, funders, partners and others interested in strengthening Africa's research ecosystem. 📅 Wednesday, 30 September 2026🕘 9:00 AM GMT📍 Accra AI Community Centre, Google Ghana6th Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Building87 Independence Avenue, Accra Stay connected with YARA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yara_research/X: https://x.com/yara_researchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yararesearch/Website: https://www.yarafrica.org/