The Government of Togo has launched the country’s first Togo AI Summer School (TAISS 2026), a national initiative aimed at developing local expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science among students, researchers, and young professionals.
The programme will take place in Lomé from August 24 to 29, 2026, bringing together 100 participants for intensive training in AI technologies and their practical applications.
Building AI Skills for the Future
TAISS 2026 is designed to strengthen Togo’s emerging AI ecosystem by providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The training programme will include:
- Technical courses on artificial intelligence and data science.
- Hands-on practical workshops.
- Expert-led conferences and discussions.
- Training on widely used technologies such as Python, Docker, and MLflow.
- Modules on data governance and responsible AI.
- Practical applications of AI tailored to African development challenges.
The initiative aims to equip participants with skills that can be applied across sectors including education, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental management.
Government and International Partnership
The Summer School is being organised by the Ministry of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation through Togo AI Lab.
The programme is supported by GIZ’s ProDigiT Programme, which is jointly financed by the governments of Germany, Luxembourg, and the European Union.
The collaboration reflects ongoing international efforts to strengthen digital innovation and artificial intelligence capacity across Africa.
Supporting AI for National Development
Togo AI Lab, established with support from the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, is already applying artificial intelligence and data science to address public policy challenges.
Current focus areas include:
- Agriculture.
- Healthcare.
- Education.
- Environmental sustainability.
The laboratory works with government institutions to develop data-driven solutions that improve public service delivery and support evidence-based policymaking.
Preserving Local Languages Through AI
One of the lab’s major initiatives is the development of open-language datasets for Togolese indigenous languages.
These datasets are intended to help train AI models capable of understanding, translating, and generating content in local languages such as:
- Ewe
- Mina
- Kabiyè
- Other indigenous languages spoken across Togo.
Officials say the project will promote digital inclusion while ensuring that African languages are represented in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
Applications Open Until July 26
The government has opened applications for the inaugural AI Summer School, with interested students, researchers, and young professionals invited to submit their applications before Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The initiative highlights Togo’s growing commitment to developing local digital talent and positioning artificial intelligence as a key driver of innovation, research, and sustainable national development.
