Keynotes
A research-grounded talk for conferences, leadership events and public audiences, shaped around the event and the people in the room.
Keynotes · Executive sessions · Workshops
Speaking.
I bring current AI research, African institution building and national policy experience into conversations with audiences making sense of the technology and its consequences.
Enquire about an event Watch a keynote
On stage at Escape.
Opening keynote · Escape 2026
Watch a full talk to get a feel for the ideas, delivery and audience experience.
Open the recording on Vimeo Formats
Ways to work together.
Executive and board sessions
A focused discussion about AI’s trajectory, opportunities, risks, talent and governance, built around the decisions your leadership team is facing.
Workshops
Deeper learning and discussion for teams who need a shared understanding of AI and its implications for their work.
Talk directions
Specific ideas, shaped for the room.
Recent talks and policy work provide starting points. Each engagement is developed for its audience.
The Intelligence Century and Why Africa Must Help Invent It
Why the continent needs to build research, talent and institutions that shape AI’s foundations, as well as its uses.
Fak’ugesi 2026 keynote ↗Who Gets Represented in Robot Intelligence?
How assumptions about people and communities enter autonomous systems, and why those choices matter for research and design.
HRI 2026 keynote ↗Governing AI in the public interest
A policy or leadership session on evidence, accountability, local capability and the choices that determine who benefits from AI.
National AI policy panel ↗ Selected audiences
From public keynotes to executive rooms.
Recent keynotes include HRI 2026, Escape 2026 and the United Nations University Macau AI Conference 2025.
At Escape, BBD also convened a private executive breakfast where I led a discussion on ethical AI in business leadership. Other executive and organisational audiences include EO Dubai, YPO Gold, Standard Bank, Discovery, Investec and SARIPA.
In conversation
More on the work.
In an Indaba Insights interview, I discuss the MIND Institute, research capacity and building an AI ecosystem from Africa.
Watch the interview ↗ Enquiries
Enquire about a talk or session.
Please include your organisation, proposed date and location, audience, format and the questions you would like the session to address.
Email Benjamin