AFSLI Conference 2026 – Kigali, Rwanda
Explore the full 3-day lineup of keynote sessions, workshops, panels, and networking activities hosted by the Rwanda National Union of Sign Language Interpreters (RNUSLI).
AFSLI Day – 23 March 2026
Arrival and Registration
Time: 08:00–8:30
Outcome: Attendees
Panelists/Facilitators: RNUSLI
Introduction and Expectations of the Conference
Time: 8:30–9:30
Outcome: Commitment and Ideas from the audience
Panelists/Facilitators: RNUSLI
Background of AFSLI
Time: 9:30–10:00
Outcome: Presentation
Panelists/Facilitators: AFSLI
East African Situation
Time: 10:00–10:30
Outcome: Regional insights
Panelists/Facilitators: Panel
Western Africa
Time: 10:30–11:00
Outcome: Regional insights
Panelists/Facilitators: Panel
Tea Break
Time: 11:00–11:30
Outcome: Refreshments
Panelists/Facilitators: —
North Africa
Time: 11:30–12:00
Outcome: Regional insights
Panelists/Facilitators: Panel
South Africa
Time: 12:00–12:30
Outcome: Regional insights
Panelists/Facilitators: Panel
Lunch
Time: 12:30–13:30
Outcome: —
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Central Africa
Time: 13:30–14:00
Outcome: Regional insights
Panelists/Facilitators: Panel
Health Break
Time: 14:00–14:30
Outcome: —
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Interactive Workshop – About IS?
Time: 14:30–16:00
Outcome: Hands-on learning
Panelists/Facilitators: Facilitators
Tea Break
Time: 16:00–16:30
Outcome: Refreshments
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Interactive Workshop – About IS?
Time: 16:30–17:30
Outcome: Group engagement
Panelists/Facilitators: Facilitators
Day 2 – 24 March 2026
Arrival and Registration
Time: 08:00–8:30
Outcome: Attendees
Panelists/Facilitators: RNUSLI
Recap of Previous Day
Time: 8:30–9:30
Outcome: Discussion
Panelists/Facilitators: Chosen Facilitator
Official Opening
Time: 9:30–10:00
Outcome: Opening Remarks
Panelists/Facilitators: RNUSLI, AFSLI & Guest of Honour
Overview of the Conference
Time: 10:00–10:30
Outcome: Insight
Panelists/Facilitators: RNUSLI & AFSLI
Group Photo with Guest of Honour
Time: 10:30–11:00
Outcome: Photo Session
Panelists/Facilitators: Communication Team
Keynote Address
Time: 11:00–11:45
Outcome: Dr. Christopher Stone
Panelists/Facilitators: Dr Christopher Stone
Tea Break
Time: 11:45–12:15
Outcome: Refreshments
Panelists/Facilitators: —
The Role of Sign Language Interpreters in Diverse Settings
Time: 12:45–13:30
Outcome: Challenges and Opportunities in Rwanda
Panelists/Facilitators: Ndagijimana Ibrahim
The Impact of SA Sign Language Interpreters on the Therapeutic Alliance
Time: 13:30–14:15
Outcome: Research Discussion
Panelists/Facilitators: Thelma Kotze
Lunch
Time: 14:15–15:00
Outcome: —
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Bridging Silence with Empowerment: The Role of Deaf Interpreters in Africa
Time: 15:45–16:30
Outcome: Empowerment
Panelists/Facilitators: Nankinga Rebecca Olivia & Okwadi Micheal
Reclaiming Space and Identity
Time: 16:30–17:15
Outcome: Ubuntu & Recognition
Panelists/Facilitators: Razaq Fakir
Coffee and Health Break
Time: 17:15–17:45
Outcome: Break
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Poster Presentations
Time: 17:45–18:45
Outcome: Research Showcase
Panelists/Facilitators: Multiple Presenters
Gala Dinner
Time: 19:00–21:00
Outcome: Networking
Panelists/Facilitators: Registered Guests
Day 3 – 25 March 2026
Arrival and Registration
Time: 08:00–8:30
Outcome: Check-in
Panelists/Facilitators: RNUSLI
Keynote Address
Time: 8:30–9:00
Outcome: Inspiration
Panelists/Facilitators: Debra Russell
Sign Language Policy and Advocacy in Africa
Time: 9:00–9:45
Outcome: Advocacy Discussion
Panelists/Facilitators: Deborah Oyuu Iyute
Bridging Silence: Technological Innovation in Interpretation
Time: 9:45–10:30
Outcome: Innovation
Panelists/Facilitators: Judy Kihumba
Tea Break
Time: 10:45–11:15
Outcome: Refreshments
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Policy & Advocacy for Sign Language Rights in Africa
Time: 11:15–12:00
Outcome: Advocacy
Panelists/Facilitators: Winnie Adoyo Hsc
Professionalization of Sign Language Interpretation in Africa
Time: 12:00–12:45
Outcome: Best Practices
Panelists/Facilitators: Prisca Sinyoro
Lunch
Time: 12:45–13:45
Outcome: —
Panelists/Facilitators: —
Communication Barriers in Maternal Healthcare
Time: 13:45–14:30
Outcome: Interpretation Challenges
Panelists/Facilitators: Eddy I Mandilla, Joseph Etyang & Kate Ogutu
Policy, Power Dynamics & Trust Between Deaf Communities and Interpreters
Time: 14:30–15:15
Outcome: Panel
Panelists/Facilitators: Joseph B. Etyang
Break
Time: 16:00–16:30
Outcome: —
Panelists/Facilitators: —
From Reflection to Collaboration: The Future of Interpreting in the Age of AI
Time: 16:30–17:15
Outcome: Forward Thinking
Panelists/Facilitators: Silvia Muturi
Recommendations
Time: 17:15–17:45
Outcome: Resolutions
Panelists/Facilitators: Conference Team
Gifts and Closing
Time: 17:45–18:00
Outcome: Appreciation
Panelists/Facilitators: Organizers
Post Presentation & Networking
Time: 18:00–Late
Outcome: Closing Networking
Panelists/Facilitators: All Participants