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As part of Africa Week 2026, this closing keynote event will feature a screening of “Makemation”, Africa’s first feature film on artificial intelligence. We will hear from the creator and executive producer of the film, Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, whose visionary work bridges education, innovation, and storytelling across the continent.
The event will showcase and reflect on:
- The rise of artificial intelligence in Africa and its transformative potential across education, healthcare, governance, and entrepreneurship.
- The power of storytelling as a tool for shaping Africa’s digital future and shifting global narratives about innovation on the continent.
- Youth leadership, creativity, and the role of emerging African talent in building ethical and inclusive AI systems.
- The intersection of technology, culture, and policy in advancing sustainable development across African nations.
- Opportunities for cross-continental collaboration between academia, industry, policymakers, and creatives.
Following the screening, attendees will engage in a conversation and moderated Q&A session with Dr. Akerele-Ogunsiji, exploring the inspiration behind the film, the challenges of pioneering tech-driven cinema in Africa, and the broader implications of AI for the continent’s socio-economic growth.
This closing event promises to be both celebratory and forward-looking — bringing together students, faculty, innovators, creatives, and community leaders to reflect on Africa’s rapidly evolving technological landscape and to imagine bold, inclusive futures powered by innovation. It will serve as a fitting and inspiring conclusion to Africa Week 2026.
About the speakers
Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Creator & Executive Producer. AI for Development, Governance and Policy Specialist & Film Maker. Founder, Rise Networks & Rise Interactive Studios. (BIO)
Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is a Nigerian Artificial Intelligence for Development Professional (AI4Dev) whose passionate career focuses on AI Safety and Governance, Media, Public Policy Advisory and e-learning and has seen her evolve into a highly sought after, revered global thought leader and specialist within her fields of expertise.
She is the founder and CEO of Rise Networks, a Lagos-based data and AI for development social enterprise, and founder of Rise Interactive Studios, the production company behind Makemation, Africa's first feature film on Artificial Intelligence, screened at an exclusive side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly and the Global Citizens Festival in New York.
The film has been positioned as a vehicle for sparking conversations on gender and inclusivity, the role of artificial intelligence and technology in the Global South, and approaches to addressing Africa’s most pressing development challenges.
Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji serves on international AI policy and convening platforms and has been recognised by organisations such as SwissCognitive and the Aspen Global Leadership Network for her work in AI, governance and youth development. She was named by Forbes as one of the 20 most Powerful Young Women in Africa.
About King's Africa Week
Hosted by the African Leadership Centre and Africa research group, Africa Week is an annual celebration of research, education and outreach activities on Africa.
King's Africa Week brings together academics, researchers and students from across King's – and offers the opportunity to hear from African scholars, leaders and thinkers. It also showcases King's collaboration with African universities and partners.
Find out more about Africa Week
Event details
8th Floor Bush HouseBush House
Strand campus, 30 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG