IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

IST-Africa 2026 celebrated its 21st Anniversary in May 2026, having been hosted since 2006 by the Governments of Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. 2026 took place as a virtual event.

All double blind peer reviewed papers included in the proceedings were presented by authors, who took live questions during the conference.

The IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings brings together a comprehensive collection of 94 contributions on government, industry, educational and societal exploitation of applied technological innovation, representing cutting edge research, innovation and/or practical eAdoption. These contributions can be used to benchmark national and regional developments and identify potential adaptation, exploitation, scaling and collaboration opportunities.

Access to papers in the IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings is for INDIVIDUAL USE only. Neither the Conference Proceedings (or individual double blind peer reviewed papers) are to be included in any public or institutional repository or processed in the context of any AI tool or large language model without prior written permission from the Publishers.

While the IST-Africa Institute and IIMC retain copyright of the Conference Proceedings, each author retains copyright to their individual paper. No paper or part thereof may be reproduced without the written permission of both the Conference Proceedings Publishers and appropriate author(s).

Publisher: IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

Papers published in Proceedings

M. Sonkhanani, S. Chibaya and C. Nyirenda (2026) Machine Learning Grade Prediction Using Students' Grades and Demographics

F. Embashu, S. Hamunyela and A. Azeta (2026) Developing an AI-Driven System for Enhancing Know your Customer (KYC) for Microlenders

M. Tanner, J. Ganesan and P. Mtambeka (2026) Optimising Knowledge Sharing through Communication in South-African Hybrid Agile Software Development Teams

A. Ronchi (2026) Capacity Building in STEMS through IoT

M. Lebese and P. Tsibolane (2026) AI-Powered Mental Health Chatbots in Africa: A Systematic Review and Culturally Adaptive Framework

I. Quissindo (2026) Correlation of Remote Sensing Data for Assessing Carbon Credits under Climate Change in the Okavango Countries

R. Modise and S. Kabanda (2026) Systematic Literature Review on Blockchain Adoption in Global South

S. Atarah, A. Edu, A. Owusu, E.A. Kolog, V. Oklu, R. Agjei, B. Ankudze, R. Hanson, C.K. Assuah, E.E. Shikalepo, S.H. Amuthenu, T.A. Sheepo, S. Iikela, A. Ndeunyema, T. Shivolo, N. Urbancikova, O. Hudec, A. Lagstedt and S. Jani (2026) Exploring the Knowledge-Base and Institutional Integration of the Twin Transition in Higher Education: A Sub-Saharan African Perspective

P. Eze and D. Adeniranye (2026) Why African Universities Should Prioritize Open-Source Large Language Models: Evidence from Computing Career Guidance Across Ten Countries

N. Ledidi, M. Masinde and P. Phoobane (2026) A Bibliometric Analysis of Student Academic Performance Prediction Using Data Mining in Education Research

W. Omollo and M. Maharaj (2026) A Framework for Dynamic Cybersecurity Awareness (DCA) in Digital Economies

M.K. Ndenga and M.V. Mokaya (2026) A Model for Teaching Responsible Computing through Animations

P. Campegiani, G. Di Clemente, R. Lopez Gonzalez, S. Migliaccio, S. Pignoli and M. Ramaccia (2026) Large Scale Actualisation of Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration

A.G. Gebremariam and G.D. Demewez (2026) Explainable AI Enhanced Deep Learning for Tomato Disease Classification using Resnet-50 and Mobilenetv2

A. Njeru, C. Njagi, R. Wario and R. Njagi (2026) AI Reliability: A GPU - Native Framework for Real-Time Spectral Telemetry and Anomaly Sequencing in Data Centers and Beyond

J.K. Asampanbilla, F. Lempogo, W. Amponsah, W.L. Brown-Acquaye , B.B. Obeng and E. Anloga (2026) A Zero-Trust Architecture for Public Service Delivery: Securing Cross-Agency Data Sharing in Ghana's eGovernment Framework

A. Maina and A. Kibui (2026) Student Perspectives on Responsible AI and Academic Integrity in Higher Education

K. Ndwapi and A.A. Steyn (2026) Building SME Resilience through Business Analytics: A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective

K. Mgadleni and G. Mwalemba (2026) Integrating Emerging Technologies in Computing Curricula: Industry-Academia Collaboration Models

E. Ndayishimiye, W. Uys and E. Weimann (2026) Local Social Structures as Enablers and Barriers for AI Enabled Medical Drone Delivery: Early Evidence from a Developing Economy

C. Lekopanye, K. Sedimo and T. Dimakatso (2026) Transforming Classroom Management Through Learning Management Systems in African Higher Education: Evidence from Botswana

C.S. Ntshangase and A. Steyn (2026) A Comprehensive Analysis of Identity Theft: Definitions, Types, and Impacts

L. Butgereit, H. Zhou and G. Zhou (2026) A Comparison of OpenAI's GPT-3.5-turbo, GPT-4-turbo, and GPT-4o when Communicating in Shona in an Educational Environment

J. Seecharan and R. Van Der Merwe (2026) A Framework for Digital Transformation of SMEs in South Africa (DTF4SMEs)

M. Kakuwaezi and G. Mwalemba (2026) University-Industry Collaboration Typology: A Systematic Literature Review

S. Kenmoe Fokou and C. van den Berg (2026) Overcoming Barriers to Technology Adoption Among Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy

J.K. Asampanbilla, P. Kudjo, F. Lempogo and W.L. Brown-Acquaye (2026) A Lightweight Cryptography Framework for Secure mAgriculture: Securing IoT Endpoints for a Blockchain-based Traceability System in Ghana

G. Light, R. Hansen, A. Marcel, N. Vunja and K. Bura (2026) Empowering Local Innovation through Community-Driven Digital Hubs: Lessons from the NEST Dormitory Model

O. Salami, S. Permal and O. Akinrinade (2026) Intelligent Credit Monitoring: An AI-Powered Credit Monitoring Approach for Real-Time Risk Assessment in African Development Finance Institutions

N.S. Joseph and M.N. Yakubu (2026) Open Innovation as a Catalyst for Grassroots Entrepreneurship: Insights from Collaborative Digital Platforms in Nigeria

M. Mathebula and M. Coetzee (2026) A Zero-Trust Framework for Continuous Authentication of BYOD

N. Ntshele and J. Eloff (2026) A Framework for Cybersecurity Education and Certification in Africa, An OER-Enabled Postgraduate Framework

K. Chegovo and S. Kabanda (2026) Cybersecurity Preparedness in South African Local Governments

I. Chikoo, I. Brown and E. Chikoo (2026) Affordances of Automated Testing Tools and their Effects on Software Testing Professionals

T.C. Garidzira and C. Matobobo (2026) Nice Intelligent Network Assistant (NINA): A Multi-Lingual Chatbot API for Subscription and Order Services Using REST and GraphQL

S. Ximba, T. Speckman and O. Stumke (2026) Smart Water Monitoring and Management: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends

T. Muvhu and J. Kanjere (2026) Administering Weather Index Crop Insurance for Low-Income Farmers using Blockchain Technology and Internet-of-Things Sensors

K. Pillay (2026) SANReN Connect Proof of Concept - Keeping the Research Community Connected

E.N. Murray and V. Faniran (2026) The Security Risks of Keyless Car Entry Systems: A Qualitative Study on South African Driver

N. Kumalo and V. Faniran (2026) Developing a Mobile-Based ICT Framework to Enhance Digital Ministry in a Resource-Constrained Church

S. Mahlangu, S. Rimer and K. Sikhakhane (2026) Design of a Robotic Hand System to address Therapist Shortages in Stroke Recovery

M. Mkhonto, S. Rimer and K. Sikhakhane (2026) IoT-enabled Real-time Water Quality Monitoring System for Sustainable Small-scale Aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

S. Mzanywa and L. Futcher (2026) Teaching by Doing: Integrating Learning Theories with Cybersecurity Pedagogy

A. Njina, S. Mutua and M. Mwadulo (2026) Evaluation of Advanced Data Structures for Federated Learning Processes: Complexity, Trade-offs, and Design Considerations

B. Mussa, Z. Kaijage, J. Chambua, H. Maziku, H. Kimaro, J. Kaasboll and S. Kiware (2026) Implementing AI-based Disease Modelling in Tanzania's Healthcare Sector: Experts' Insights into Awareness, Barriers, and Perceived Impact

A. Chemutai, P. Muisyo, B. Owenda, B. Musila, F. Opiyo, G. Gichuhi, K. Mutuma, A. Ereng, S. Mwathi, K. Sankale, D. Munywoki, E. Bett, E. Kweyu and J. Sevilla (2026) Optimizing Performance and User Experience in Healthcare Dashboards

M. Maravanyika (2026) Temporal Patterns of Struggle and Success in Asynchronous Problem-Based Learning

M. Maravanyika and A. Shindi (2026) Resource Efficiency in Problem-Based Learning: A Productive Struggle Perspective

F.N. Kanyemba, M. Katwame, A. Kaliki and S.M. Munenda (2026) Multilingualism and Digital Discourse in Namibia: The Role of Indigenous and Hybrid Languages on Social Medi

S. Muchina, J. Moso and G. Kamau (2026) Hybrid ResNet50, Convolution Neural Network and Support Vector Machine for Face Recognition in Unconstrained Environment

P. Musuva, F. Wambalaba and J. Ouma (2026) Unpacking the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Insights from Employers, Graduates and Faculty

L.S. Tapsoba, W.R. Soalla and N.E. Kiebre (2026) Intelligent Crop Disease Detection System using Leaf image Analysis with Computer Vision

O. Mapongwana, S. Kabanda and R. Chiwariro (2026) Cybersecurity Awareness in Public Schools: the Case of Western Cape Township

E. Letsoalo, T. Tshilongamulendze, T. Mathonsi and D. du Plessis (2026) Smart Channel Hopping Model for Mitigating Reactive Jamming Attacks in Internet of Things Networks

M. Thovhale, S. Rananga, R. Ebrahim and M. Masonta (2026) Machine Learning-based Prediction of Remaining Useful Life of Mobile Devices for Circular Economy E-Waste Management

P. Ntlatywa and D. van Greunen (2026) Mapping the Research on Social Media Impact: Trends, Blind Spots, and Global South Representation

F.N. Lekota and M. Coetzee (2026) Aviation Cybersecurity Incident Response Challenges: A Review

T. Magwenzi, A. Terzoli and Z. Shibeshi (2026) Performance Evaluation of Two Private Cloud Systems to Provide Educational e-Services to South African Public Schools Clusters

R.G. Nthatheni, T. Thulare, K.J. Maremi and S. Mthethwa (2026) Recommendations for Enhancing Offline Functionality to ensure Information Availability in South African Public Electronic Health Information Systems

E.N. Imbamba (2026) Conversational Artificial Intelligence for Health Information Access in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

M. Ismail (2026) From Smartphones to Feature Phones: Lessons from Akili AI on Inclusive AI Adoption in Low-Connectivity Settings

N.L. Mbah and M. Huber (2026) Regenerative Education Systems: Aligning Experiential Learning with Africa's Emerging Opportunity Landscapes

F. Seri, S. Malo and J. Thiombiano (2026) Extraction and Classification of Financial Documents: State of the Art, Methodology and Perspectives

M. Kaburu, P. Gikunda and J. Moso (2026) Empirical Analysis of GNN Architectures for VM Power Consumption Prediction

E. van Rensburg and M. Hattingh (2026) Digital Twin: Key Considerations for Business Adoption

K.V. Kangai and A.M. Gamundani (2026) Computer-Aided Learning Management Suite (CALMS): An Offline-First, TV White Space-Enabled Architecture for Equitable Education in Rural Zimbabwe

P. Mabiza, S. Msomi, P. Dlamini, D. Van Greunen, L. Icard and F. Majiki (2026) Reflections on e-Agriculture: Insights into Equity, Participation and Knowledge Transformation in Resource Constrained Aquaponics Settings

T. Mphahlele, J.F. Isingizwe Nturambirwe and A. Klein (2026) Leveraging Data-Driven Machine Learning for Intelligent Shelf Life Prediction of Fresh Apple

E.N. Malulu and A.M. Gamundani (2026) Developing a Machine Learning Model to Detect Unauthorised Access in Electronic Health Records of HIV Patients at Grootfontein State Hospital

S. Mthethwa, S. Ntshangase, S. Myaka, N. Ndhlovu and S. Lefophane (2026) A Unified Framework for Secure and Interoperable Digital Identity in South Africa

A. Mabona, D. van Greunen and K. Kativu (2026) Academic Library's Perspective for AI Integration: Case Study of Rhodes University Librar

N. Gwinta, C. Matobobo and P.D. Ncube (2026) Development of a Mobile Application to Support isiXhosa Learning for Non-Xhosa Speakers in Eastern Cape Universities

S. Gamba, J. Kimuyu and E. Abade (2026) Operationalizing Digital Sovereignty: A Privacy-Preserving Protocol for Cross-Border Threat Intelligence in East Africa

K. Sedimo, J. Iloanya, T. Dimakatso and C. Lekopanye (2026) Gamification in Education: Exploring the Impact of Gamified Learning on Student's Engagement and Achievement

K. Moroke, T. Ramabu and K. Sigama (2026) An Integrated System for Detection and Prediction of Soil Health using IoT and Machine Learning Techniques

N. Zondi, S. Baror, S. Makura and H. Venter (2026) RandX: Decentralizing the South African Rand through Blockchain

J.N. Jere (2026) Gender and Generational Inequalities in ICT Adoption for Agricultural Decision-Making in KwaZulu-Natal

T. Tshisikhawe, K. Sigama and T. Ramabu (2026) Enhancing Anomaly Detection in IT Systems Using Machine Learning Techniques

E. Muhatia, K. Senagi, E. Omondi, B. Muriithi, J. Olukuru and J. Sevilla (2026) Rethinking Emission Modelling Approaches for Sub-Saharan Africa's Complex Realities using Machine Learning Methods as a Decision Support System

C. Njaravani and J. Eloff (2026) Typing Speed for Continuous Authentication on Short Messages

Y. Rubushe, K. Fritz, A. Boomgaard, V. Mashiyane, L. Dyiki and M. Ghaziasgar (2026) EcoSkillVR: A VR Training Simulation for Lithium-ion Battery Pack Assembly for Four-Wheel Electric Vehicles

V. Obojo, R. Ikuesan and E. Iortom (2026) PHAST: A Multi-Context Framework for Hybrid Threat Intelligence and Automated Detection Systems

L. Mejaele, L. Mphatsi, K. Morolong, K. Setetemela, M. Kheleli, P. Maime, L. Kotjomela and M. Mokone (2026) Performance Engineering of a National eLMIS: Optimising Microservices, Caching and High-Volume Workflows in Lesotho's Health Supply Chain

M. Mokone, L. Mejaele, M. Kheleli, P. Maime, K. Setetemela, L. Mphatsi, K. Morolong and L. Kotjomela (2026) Design and Localisation of a Sustainable Electronic Logistics Management Information System for Lesotho

S. Nkambule and S. Dyakalashe (2026) Machine Learning-Based Security Mechanisms for Threat Detection in Smart Manufacturing

K. Setetemela, L. Mphatsi, P. Mothibe, P. Hlaha, R. 'Neko, R. Lethaha and J. Marunye (2026) Designing and Localising a Climate Services Information System for Impact-Based Forecasting in Lesotho

J. Kanjere, M. Ford, J. Dickens, Y. Goorun and B. Mutemula (2026) A Lightweight IoT and Blockchain-Based Cold Chain Track-and-Trace Prototype for Medical Materials in Resource-Constrained Environments

M.P. Calado, I. José, L. Gomes and P. Domingos (2026) Transcription System for Regional Accents in Angola Using Whisper and LLM

M. Nalumansi and M. Chemisto (2026) Exploring Adoption of Generative AI in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review

J. Mwaura, L.P. Binamungu and E. Bainomugisha (2026) Assessing East Africa Leading Universities' Adherence to Regional and Global Computer Science Curriculum Guidelines

P. Mjoli, J. Eloff and M. Dlamini (2026) From Data to Cloud Sovereignty: A Framework for Secure and Compliant Cloud Adoption in South Africa

S. Mashimba and K. Amunkete (2026) Factors Influencing Continued Use of e-Learning among Students in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Case from Namibia

E. Shikudule and K. Amunkete (2026) Perceived Use of AI in Enhancing IT Compliance and Risk Management in the Financial Industry of Namibia

A. Nitze, D. Wikarski, E. Yeri Kombe, J. Ondulo, A. Chesambu Ndiema, T. Siebert and M. Zboralski (2026) Sensor-enabled Household Biodigester: A Student-driven IoT Prototype