Data Tamasha Africa is born from the union of DataFest Africa and Data Tamasha, co-convened by Pollicy and Tanzania Data Lab (dLab).
It brings together Africa’s data practitioners and enthusiasts — citizens, governments, innovators, civil society, creatives, academia, and the private sector — to strengthen collaboration, mobilise investment, and support the adoption of responsible, inclusive, and sustainable data solutions across the continent.
The 2026 edition marks a decisive shift: from deliberation to demonstration — spotlighting African-owned data and AI tools, governance frameworks, and digital solutions that serve communities and interrogate how data systems shape power, access, and justice.
DataTamasha Africa 2026 theme "Kujenga na Data / Building with Data" is a declaration that Africa is not waiting to be handed a digital future. We are building one on our terms and with our communities at the center.
Kujenga na Data centers the builders, Data enthusiasts, policy makers, information workers, creatives and artists together with the community whose lives are shaped by data systems daily.
This August, Zanzibar becomes the place where it all happens out loud, where African built tools get their moment, where those shaping data systems and the most affected by them finally share the same room.
Across three days, participants will engage with curated sessions spanning policy, innovation, culture, and community.
Track 01 — Data, AI Governance & Innovation for Public Value
Track 02 — Safe and Joyful Digital Futures
Track 03 — Feminist Innovation and the Digital Economy
Track 04 — The Afrofeminist Data Museum
What to expect
Data Tamasha Africa 2026 brings together approximately 200 participants across three immersive days — combining high-level policy engagement, applied learning, innovation showcasing, and cultural celebration.
Expect keynotes and lightning talks, Policy-Practice Labs, Hands-On Masterclasses, Product Showcases in the Tech & Innovation Garden, the Afrofeminist Data Museum embedded in Stone Town, the Games Nook, a Wellness Hub, and the climactic AI Innovation Challenge & Hackathon.
