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Introduction
The rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, and advanced wireless networks is fundamentally reshaping economies, societies, and development pathways worldwide. In the context of sustainable development, these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to address complex challenges related to economic growth, social inclusion, environmental protection, and institutional efficiency. For developing countries, particularly Africa, leveraging emerging technologies is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative for achieving resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures.
AI and IoT stand at the forefront of this technological transformation. AI-driven systems enable intelligent decision-making, predictive analytics, automation, and optimization across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, education, and governance. IoT complements this by enabling real-time data collection through interconnected sensors and devices, supporting smart infrastructure, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, energy management, and urban planning. When combined, AI and IoT create powerful ecosystems capable of improving service delivery, enhancing productivity, reducing resource waste, and strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
In Africa, where development challenges intersect with rapid population growth, climate vulnerability, limited infrastructure, and skills gaps, emerging technologies present both opportunities and responsibilities. Digital solutions can support climate-smart agriculture, strengthen cybersecurity, expand financial inclusion through digital finance, improve public service delivery, and foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship. However, these benefits can only be realized if issues of digital equity, ethical governance, cybersecurity, data privacy, capacity building, and sustainability are adequately addressed.
Against this backdrop, the conference on Emerging Technologies (AI, IoT) for Sustainable Development, scheduled for March 24–25, 2026, at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), provides a timely and strategic platform for interdisciplinary engagement. The hybrid format ensures broad participation from local, regional, and international stakeholders, fostering inclusive dialogue and global knowledge exchange. The conference brings together researchers, industry experts, policymakers, innovators, and students to critically examine how computing and information technologies can be
harnessed to drive sustainable digital transformation, particularly within the African context.
Through its diverse thematic tracks including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, IoT, Wireless Networks, and Sustainable Computing the conference emphasizes innovation that is not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive. By highlighting cutting-edge research, real-world case studies, and practical solutions, the conference seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice while strengthening collaboration
between academia, industry, and government.
Ultimately, this conference aims to contribute to a shared vision where emerging technologies serve as enablers of sustainable development supporting resilient systems, inclusive growth, and long-term socio-economic transformation for Rwanda, Africa, and the global community.