PAAISS 2026 to explore AI sovereignty, climate resilience, healthcare, education and inclusive digital transformation across the Global South

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica), in collaboration with the PAAISS 2026 Organising Committee, will host the Pan-African/Caribbean Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems Conference (PAAISS 2026) from October 13–16, 2026, bringing together international experts to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can advance sustainable development across Africa and the Caribbean.

The four-day conference will convene researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and students to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, governance and innovation, with particular emphasis on the development priorities of countries across the Global South.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:00 p.m. at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica’s Papine Campus. Mr. Christopher Reckord, Chairman of the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force, will deliver the keynote address.

As AI increasingly influences economies, public services, education, healthcare and industry, PAAISS 2026 will examine how countries across Africa and the Caribbean can move beyond being consumers of technology to become active contributors to its development and application. Central to the discussions will be the need to build local expertise, strengthen research and digital infrastructure, and ensure that AI solutions respond to regional priorities.

Among the featured speakers are Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica; Senator the Honourable Marlon Morgan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information; Dr. Mandla Gwetu of Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Dr. Beatrice Ombuki-Berman of Brock University, Canada; and Dr. Serestina Viriri of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

A major feature of the conference will be panel discussions examining the governance, development and practical application of AI in Africa and the Caribbean. Topics will include AI and digital sovereignty, with a focus on strengthening local capacity, developing research expertise and increasing regional influence over the technologies and data shaping digital futures.

Another discussion will explore AI-driven climate change and natural disaster modelling, including opportunities for Africa-Caribbean collaboration in hurricane and seismic risk management. The programme will also examine gender and opportunity in the AI ecosystem, addressing participation, inclusion and access as the technology continues to evolve.

Beyond these discussions, the conference will explore practical applications of AI and smart systems in areas critical to regional development, including healthcare, education, agriculture, climate and disaster resilience, public-sector transformation and economic development. Keynote and plenary presentations, research paper sessions, technical presentations, workshops and industry showcases will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration among academia, government, industry and international institutions.

Dr. Kevin Brown, President of UTech, Jamaica, said the conference comes at a pivotal time in the development and application of artificial intelligence.

“PAAISS 2026 comes at a critical moment as artificial intelligence moves from being an emerging technology to becoming a fundamental driver of economic and social transformation. Our focus is not simply on what AI can do, but on how we can ensure that its development and application contribute meaningfully to the needs and aspirations of Africa and the Caribbean.”

PAAISS 2026 aims to strengthen cross-regional partnerships, encourage interdisciplinary research and support the responsible use of emerging technologies to address shared development challenges.

The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Interested persons may register online using the PAAISS 2026 Conference Registration and RSVP form.

For conference updates and programme details, visit https://paaiss.com.