Bamako.ai, organized by Kabakoo Academies, is a groundbreaking event series bringing together AI experts, startups, artists, and communities to shape Africa's AI future. It combines cutting-edge technology with indigenous knowledge, embodying Kabakoo's "Highdigenous" approach. The event features masterclasses, workshops, exhibitions, and innovation challenges.
Bamako.ai promotes meaningful AI learning and engagement while raising awareness of potential challenges. By leveraging AI for innovation and value creation, while celebrating Africa's rich heritage, Bamako.ai opens new perspectives for African youth in AI innovation.
Bamako.ai Season 2, held from May 29 to June 2, 2024, transformed Bamako's CICB into an innovation hub. Under the theme "Décoloniser pour Innover," the event embodied Kabakoo's "Highdigenous" approach, blending cutting-edge technology with ancestral knowledge. Attracting 4,000 visitors, it featured VR/AR experiences, workshops, and conferences. Highlights included VR journeys to Djenné mosque and an AI Mentor with Bamanankan voice. The event showcased AI, XR, art, culture, and craftsmanship intersections, bringing together diverse speakers from AI experts to agroecology pioneers. It sparked a shift in participants' perspectives, increasing motivation to merge high-tech with local wisdom for innovative solutions.
At Kabakoo Academies, we are excited to present "Terres d’Innovation - Les Rencontres d’Architectures Régénatives du Sahel" as part of Bamako.ai 2024. This initiative brings together 16 masons and artisans from Tombouctou, Gao, Djenné, Mopti, Ségou, Bamako, Kayes, and the Pays Dogon to collaboratively realize innovative prototypes. Working alongside experts in architecture, design, and technology, these artisans have developed portfolios that showcase their creations, drawing inspiration from endogenous cultures while integrating AR and AI elements.
Our goal is to highlight their craftsmanship and foster a blend of ancestral techniques with contemporary and futuristic innovations, paving the way for a regenerative architectural future in the Sahel.
At Kabakoo Academies, we had the honor of participating as the special guest at SENUMA - Semaine du Numérique du Mali - The Digital Week of Mali, organized by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Modernization of Administration. We created a striking central space made of bamboo that featured unique virtual reality (VR) experiences, becoming the most visited area of the event. Additionally, we offered a range of augmented reality (AR) experiences and activities focused on generative AI and design fiction, engaging a diverse audience.
Our participation not only showcased our innovative capabilities but also reflected the trust and confidence placed in us by the ministry, highlighting our role as a leader in digital transformation in Mali.
At Kabakoo Academies, we were honored to participate as a special guest at the 3rd edition of the Salon of Engineering for Transformation and Learning (SITA), organized by the Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Vocational Training. In our central space, we showcased 17 digital careers related to our offerings, including design, digital content production, live streaming, and data science. The event featured engaging activities like virtual reality experiences, augmented reality exhibitions, and 3D printing demonstrations.
Our participation highlights our collaboration with public stakeholders in Mali and reinforces our role in advancing digital transformation and vocational training in the region.
Highdigenous Live! Vol 1, a groundbreaking hybrid festival bridging German-Malian cultural exchanges, took place from July 11-13, 2024. Organized by Kabakoo Academies with the University of Paderborn, LWL Stiftung, and the city of Paderborn, the event occurred simultaneously in Bamako and Paderborn. It focused on innovation in learning, architecture, and music fusion.The festival showcased technological and cultural innovation through immersive 360° and virtual reality experiences.
As the first academic festival on knowledge decolonization in Germany and Mali, it featured diverse topics including VR/AR, art, gastronomy, decolonial histories, and afrofuturist fashion. Academics, experts, and artists from Germany, Sweden, and Mali came together, fostering an exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives.
