Arba Minch University (AMU), College of Natural and Computational Sciences (CNCS) Department of Mathematics, hosted the five-day African Workshop on Machine Learning, Optimization and Applications (AWMOA 2026) from June 8–12, 2026, at Abaya Campus. The workshop brought together researchers, academicians, and graduate students from Ethiopia and abroad to explore recent advances in machine learning, optimization, and their practical applications. The academic program featured a diverse lineup of high-level technical presentations, expert-led training sessions, and scholarly talks delivered by AMU faculty members, invited international experts, and PhD students from various institutions across Africa and beyond. Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Ing. Bogale Gebremariam, Academic Affairs Vice President of Arba Minch University, emphasized that mathematics serves as the foundational language of the digital age. He noted that mathematics underpins not only the natural sciences but also engineering, computing, and emerging technologies. According to him, the workshop’s core themes of machine learning, optimization, and applications closely align with the university’s mission of promoting innovation, advancing research excellence, and fostering community-driven technology transfer to address societal challenges.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mulugeta Habte, Dean of the College of Natural and Computational Sciences, affirmed the college’s commitment to supporting and encouraging grassroots academic initiatives undertaken by its departments. He noted that workshops and similar scholarly forums play a vital role in bringing together members of the scientific community to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss emerging research trends. Such platforms, he emphasized, are essential for strengthening international collaborations, accelerating knowledge exchange, and fostering multidisciplinary research groups that bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications. Dr. Mulugeta also expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee and acknowledged the sponsoring partners for their valuable contributions toward making the event a success.
Dr. Mohammed Abebe of Arba Minch University presented a paper entitled ‘Introduction to Python Programming for Machine Learning’, highlighting the critical role of Python in transforming machine learning theories into practical applications. He explained that while machine learning is a mathematical and computational methodology that enables computers to learn from data without explicit programming, Python provides the programming environment, syntax, and tools required to implement, train, and deploy machine learning models. Owing to its simplicity, versatility, and extensive ecosystem of libraries, he noted, Python has become the primary software platform for developing modern machine learning and artificial intelligence applications.
The workshop featured presentations by distinguished scholars from across Africa. Prof. Semu Mitiku of Botswana International University of Science and Technology presented a paper on ‘Machine Learning, Optimization, and Game Theory’ while Prof. Abebe Geletu of the Rwanda-German Research Chair at AIMS Rwanda discussed the ‘Mathematical Foundations of Generative AI’. Likewise, Dr. Surafel Lulseged of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University delivered a presentation on ‘Data Science and Data-Driven Decision Making’, and Dr. Melaku Berhe, also from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, spoke on ‘Degree-Based Topological Indices of Nano-materials’. In addition to their scholarly contributions, the presenters shared valuable research and professional experiences, enriching participants’ understanding of emerging developments in their respective fields.
Organizing Committee Chair Dr. Semeneh Hunachew stated that the workshop aimed to strengthen international partnerships, expand research networks, and build the research capacity of local faculty and doctoral students. He noted that similar technical workshops and research schools will be scaled up in the coming years. During the event, PhD students from Arba Minch University and other invited universities presented their research findings before a panel of senior scholars and professors. The workshop also attracted prominent regional researchers, including Immaculate Kimani of the University of Nairobi, representing the African Higher Education in Emergencies Network (AHEEN). The five-day event concluded with the awarding of certificates to presenters and participants and Dr. Semeneh served as the master of ceremonies throughout the program.
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