From Ideas to Impact — dLab’s Journey at the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2025
Last week, between 13–15 October 2025, the halls of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Nairobi were alive with conversation, possibility and reinvention. The theme — “Africa’s Innovation Future: Policy, Partnerships & Progress” — wasn’t just a tagline. It was a call to action.
For us at dLab, whose work centers on AI, data and policy, this gathering wasn’t about passive attendance. It was about showing up, listening in, stepping up — and amplifying what it truly means to champion data-driven progress in Africa.
Day 1: Opening Doors & New Narratives
Monday morning kicked off with a buzz of energy. As more than 1,000 innovators, policymakers and ecosystem builders gathered under one roof, the message was clear: Africa is no longer on the sidelines of the digital conversation — Africa is writing it.
We found ourselves in sessions where “Policy, Data & AI in Africa” was front and center — not as after-thoughts, but as engines of transformation.
During a breakout panel on AI governance, one participant remarked: “We can no longer import frameworks — we must design them for our realities.” That cluster of words stuck with us. Because it encapsulates our belief at dLab: that meaningful AI and data work in Africa must be rooted in context, in community, and in purpose.
Walking the expo area later that day, we connected with fellow hub-leaders, start-ups and policy makers who shared stories like:
- “It’s about unlocking the data we already have — not just collecting more.”
- “AI for us means — can this reduce inequalities, not just automate processes.”
These voices reinforced something we believe deeply: progress isn’t just about new tech — it’s about the right tech, aligned with the right questions.
Day 2: Deep Dives, Partnerships & Purpose
Tuesday brought deeper dives. Masterclasses focused on building adaptive regulatory frameworks for data and AI; panels explored how investment and governance go hand in hand for inclusive innovation.
We sat shoulder to shoulder with finance leaders, hub managers, policy architects — all asking variations of the same question: How do we move from “innovation for its own sake” to “innovation for impact”?
One moment that stayed with us: a roundtable on “Data Sovereignty in African Innovation Ecosystems.” A delegate said:
“Data isn’t just a commodity. It’s a mirror of our society — if we don’t guard who shapes the mirror, we lose who sees themselves.”
Powerful. At dLab we reinforce this. Because when we talk about data, we aren’t just discussing numbers. We’re talking about identity, agency and voice.
Our team took the time to share our own story: how we’re working to support policymakers to understand AI and data, equip innovators to deploy responsibly, and create an ecosystem where progress doesn’t leave anyone behind. The conversations we had underscored one truth: policy + data + AI = not just technologies, but enablers of justice, access and future-readiness.
Day 3: Celebration, Reflection & The Road Ahead
On Wednesday, as the gathering neared its close, there was a palpable mood of both celebration and challenge. Celebration because we’ve come far as a continent; challenge because we know the journey ahead is steep.
A keynote speaker reminded us: “Partnerships are not just deals — they are trust built over time.”
We left Nairobi inspired. Inspired by hubs that are scaling across borders; by startups doing more with less; by policymakers who recognise the need to listen as much as legislate.
For dLab, this isn’t just a recap — it’s a commitment. A commitment that we will carry forward what we learned:
- To amplify African-led AI and data solutions.
- To support inclusive policymaking that responds to real lives.
- To build partnerships across sectors, geographies and mindsets.
What This Means For You
If you engaged with us at the Gathering — thank you. Your questions, your stories, your perspectives matter. If you weren’t able to join, know this: we didn’t just attend—we absorbed, we connected, we pledged forward action.
In the coming weeks, we’ll share more on:
- The concrete next steps we’ll take in policy and data strategy.
- How we are collaborating with stakeholders across Africa to pilot AI-enabled, data-grounded projects.
- Invitations to join us in this journey — through events, research, partnerships and story-sharing.
Because progress is not built in isolation. It’s built by people who show up, speak up and stay in. At dLab, we’re ready for that. Are you?
Thank you, Nairobi. Thank you, innovation ecosystem. The future is ours to shape — together.