GrowAI 2026: 2nd Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) Conference Obi-Wali International Conference Center, Port Harcourt. Port Harcourt, Nigeria, September 28-30, 2026

The National Artificial Intelligence Conference and Exhibition aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This event will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing cutting-edge AI technologies.

• Core Purpose: To promote the use of AI technologies to address real-world developmental challenges in areas such as education, agriculture, healthcare, workforce development, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), national development, policy, and more.
• Main Goal: Bridge the gap between advanced AI research/innovation and practical, impactful applications that foster intergenerational growth, meaning AI solutions that benefit current and future generations.

Submission Guidelines

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. The following paper categories are welcome:

- AI and Education
- AI and Agriculture
- AI and Health
- AI and Workforce
- AI and SMEs
- AI for Business
- Responsible AI
- AI for National Development
- Women and Youth in AI
- AI Research and Innovation
- AI Policy and Governance
- Explainable and Human-Centered AI
- AI and Cybersecurity

Papers addressing the main theme “AI for Intergenerational Growth (GrowAI 2026)” or any of the listed sub-themes are particularly encouraged. Interdisciplinary and application-oriented submissions that demonstrate real-world impact are also highly welcome.

Submitted papers must be maximum 10 pages (including references) in IEEE double-column format.

All submissions will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process. The submission deadline is 15th July 2026. Notification of acceptance will be sent by 15th July 2026, and camera-ready versions of accepted papers are due by 30th August 2026.

Submissions must be prepared using the IEEE manuscript submission template (available at the IEEE website) and should be submitted electronically via the EasyChair conference management system or to conference@paidef.org.ng

Committees

Program Committee

• Prof. Adebayo Abayomi-Alli, Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, TEchnology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, Potugal.

• Prof. Martins Irhebhude, Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria.

• Prof. Adebayo Adekoya, Catholic University of Ghana, Bono Region, Ghana.

• Prof. Constance Amannah, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

• Prof. Gitai Abdulsalam, Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Nigeria.

• Prof. Philip Ogunbona, University of Wollongong, Australia.

• Prof. Saidat A. Onashoga, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

• Prof. Iloka Betram Chukwubuike, Tansian University, Umunya, Nigeria.

• Dr. Aminu Sambo, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Abuja, Nigeria.

• Dr. Vivian Nwocha, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.

• Dr. Mrs. Balkisu Bello, Nile University, Abuja, Nigeria.

• Dr. Pius Ejodamen, Admiralty University of Nigeria Ibusa, Ibusa, Nigeria.

• Dr. Ikeola Suhurat Olatinwo, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

• Dr. Essien Aniekan, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

Publication

AI4D proceedings will be published in the Journals of the Nigeria Computer Science (NCS) https://ncsjournalng.org/ and another Scopus indexed Journal (Discussion still ongoing).

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to Conference chair via conference@paidef.org.ng