Can you tell us about your journey and what motivated you to pursue a career in AI and digital governance?
My journey into AI and digital governance is driven by a deep commitment to justice, inclusion, and African agency. As a Tunisian with a background in public communication, I was first exposed to the power of digital advocacy through my work on the African Union’s End Child Marriage Campaign, becoming the first North African woman to join the AU Youth Volunteer Program.
Over time, I saw how AI and data governance were shaping development decisions—often replicating colonial legacies and systemic biases, especially against Africans and Muslim communities. This inspired my focus on ethical, gender-sensitive AI in Francophone Africa. Today, I serve as Vice President of AFRIA and a Fellow at the African Observatory on Responsible AI, where I explore the intersection of AI, ethics, and gender.
While digital tools can enhance efficiency, they often fail to reflect the complexity of human understanding. If we treat data as detached from context, we risk unethical, one-size-fits-all solutions. That’s why I advocate for human-centered digital governance—where technology is shaped through local dialogue, lived experience, and ethical reasoning.
Africa must not only adopt AI—it must shape it on its own terms.
How has your educational background, particularly in AI and New Technologies, influenced your career path?
My academic path took me from earning a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies in China to ongoing studies in Institutional Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I focus on how AI is shaping governance systems and the future of work in Africa. To deepen my understanding of the ethical and policy dimensions of emerging technologies, I pursued specialized training at two globally recognized institutions.
From October 2022 to January 2023, I completed a semester on AI Policy and Ethics with the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP). This program examined the social and political implications of AI, exploring issues such as bias and fairness, the “black box” problem, privacy, and transparency. The course also addressed the impact of global regulations (such as GDPR), human rights considerations, and the role of public policy in mitigating the social consequences of AI. Through an interdisciplinary lens, it strengthened my ability to analyze and advocate for ethical and accountable AI governance.
In late 2024, I completed an Advanced Certificate Course on AI Ethics and Policy in Africa at the University of Cape Town, which emphasized the transformative role of AI in addressing systemic challenges—ranging from food security and healthcare to financial inclusion and employment. The course introduced the African ethical lens, a framework for assessing AI’s impact through the values of local communities, with special attention to gender equity, sustainability, and social justice.
In 2023, I served as a country researcher for the Responsible AI Global Index, focusing on Senegal, where I advocated for stronger ethical frameworks and local capacity-building to ensure inclusive digital transformation. I also draw inspiration from African philosophy—particularly the spirit of Ubuntu—and from grassroots movements. Through research, writing, and initiatives such as the Mazal campaign and capacity-building work with Black North African communities, I continue to promote a human-centered approach to AI, one that respects context, culture, and lived experience.
Today, my motivation is not just technical—it is ethical, political, and deeply personal. I believe that AI must serve Africa’s development, empower marginalized voices, and advance the vision of Agenda 2063. My mission is to ensure that digital governance across the continent is not only efficient, but also equitable, inclusive, and grounded in African narratives and values.
What inspired your decision to work on AI ethics and data governance in Africa, especially in countries like Senegal, Tunisia, and Mauritania?
Guided by the Pan-African Spirit, Africa Was Born in Me
I don’t just come from North Africa—Africa lives within me. It’s not merely a matter of geography or origin; it’s a profound sense of identity shaped by ancestral wisdom, historical resistance, and the unyielding call for unity and liberation.
Like Bob Marley sang, “If you know your history, then you would know where you’re coming from,” and it is in this knowing that I found purpose. The legacy of those who were stolen, silenced, and scattered across the globe speaks through every rhythm of our voices, every step of our struggle, and every dream we dare to reclaim. Africa is not behind us—it is within us, ahead of us, and all around us.
The Pan-African spirit is not just a political ideal; it is a spiritual awakening—a return to ourselves. It is Marcus Garvey’s prophecy, Haile Selassie’s courage, Bob Marley’s rhythm, and every grassroots movement that has demanded that Africa rise not in imitation, but in dignity and defiance.Africa’s story is not one of victimhood—it is one of resilience, creativity, and continuous rebirth. From the Nyabinghi drums of Jamaica to the digital revolutions of Dakar and Johannesburg, the continent and its people continue to shape global consciousness.As someone working in AI and digital governance, I carry this heritage into every space I enter. I believe in technology not as a foreign force to be feared, but as a tool to be reclaimed—a tool to amplify African voices, uphold African values, and restore African narratives. To be guided by Pan-Africanism is to walk with a purpose that transcends borders. It is to hear the echoes of ancestors calling us to liberate our minds, unite our people, and honor our truths. As Marley sang in Redemption Song, “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”
As the Vice President of AFRIA, what are some of the key challenges you face in promoting ethical AI in Francophone Africa?
As Vice President of the Agence Francophone et Africaine de l’Intelligence Artificielle (AFRIA), my role centers on advancing ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI across Francophone Africa—a mission rooted in the values of humanism, inclusion, and sovereignty. While there is great momentum across the region, our work at AFRIA is shaped by both urgent challenges and exciting opportunities.
One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of localized AI governance frameworks. Many Francophone African countries are in early stages of digital policy development, and there is a risk that AI technologies will be deployed without sufficient ethical oversight or contextual sensitivity. Another major concern is data sovereignty—the need to ensure that African data is governed, stored, and processed locally, rather than being extracted and exploited by external entities.
There is also a linguistic and cultural gap in the global AI ecosystem, where Francophone voices and African philosophical perspectives are underrepresented. This is compounded by limited investment in local AI talent pipelines, including access to advanced training, research opportunities, and infrastructure. In many regions, digital divides persist, with communities lacking connectivity and the skills needed to meaningfully participate in the digital age.
Could you share your thoughts on the African Union’s Data Policy Framework and its significance for the future of AI in Africa?
The AU Data Policy Framework is a crucial step toward ethical, inclusive, and sovereign digital governance in Africa. It reflects a growing awareness of the need to manage data and AI responsibly. However, there’s still a significant gap between vision and implementation. Many member states lack the capacity and resources to act on these frameworks, and public engagement remains limited.
At various conferences, I’ve observed that even activists and civil society actors are often unaware of the AU’s digital frameworks. Unlike the UN or EU, the AU has yet to fully promote or market these initiatives widely—missing key opportunities for broader collaboration and participation.
To make real impact, we must localize and democratize these frameworks, ensuring they reflect lived realities and include grassroots voices. Beyond compliance, Africa must foster a culture of ethical innovation, where AI policies are both people-centered and grounded in our shared values.
How do you think African nations can balance the need for technological advancement with the preservation of ethical standards in AI and data governance?
African nations don’t need to choose between innovation and ethics—we must pursue both together. By grounding our digital strategies in African values like Ubuntu, we can ensure that AI serves people and communities, not just efficiency or profit.
Balancing progress with ethics means building strong institutions, transparent governance, and inclusive policies that reflect our diverse realities. We must invest in local talent, AI literacy, and African-centric datasets, while also resisting one-size-fits-all solutions from outside.Ethics must be part of the design, not just a checklist. If we center people, context, and collaboration, Africa can lead with a model of ethical, inclusive, and sovereign AI development.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing ethical concerns surrounding AI deployment in Africa today?
One of the most urgent ethical concerns surrounding AI in Africa is the risk of reinforcing existing inequalities. When AI systems are trained on biased or incomplete data—often collected outside African contexts—they can perpetuate racial, gender, and cultural discrimination. This is especially worrying in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and finance, where algorithmic decisions can affect access to services or livelihoods.
Another major concern is data sovereignty and privacy. Much of Africa’s digital infrastructure is still owned or managed by foreign companies, meaning that data about African citizens is often processed abroad, with limited accountability. Without strong local data protection laws, citizens are vulnerable to surveillance, exploitation, and loss of agency over their own information.
There’s also the issue of digital exclusion. Many African countries lack the infrastructure and resources to meaningfully participate in the AI revolution. This raises the risk that AI will widen the digital divide, leaving marginalized communities even further behind. In particular, Francophone Africa and rural areas are often overlooked in global AI conversations.
Lastly, there’s a growing concern about the lack of African voices in global AI ethics and governance frameworks. Most of the standards and tools currently guiding AI development are rooted in Western philosophies and priorities. Without contextualization, these frameworks may fail to reflect Africa’s social, cultural, and economic realities.
In response, we need a collective effort to embed African values, voices, and leadership into the AI space. This includes investing in local talent, promoting ethical innovation, and ensuring AI systems are inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve.
What role does gender inclusion play in AI and data governance, and how can we ensure that women and youth are at the forefront of these conversations?
When women are underrepresented in datasets, AI systems risk perpetuating harmful gender biases. Ensuring gender-inclusive data collection helps create systems that work fairly and accurately for all. Similarly, having gender diversity among AI developers is vital for identifying potential risks and unintended consequences that might otherwise be overlooked. In policy-making, women’s perspectives are crucial to shaping regulations that consider the varied impacts of AI across different gender identities. Moreover, diverse leadership plays a key role in determining the direction of AI innovation—often redirecting focus toward issues affecting women and marginalized communities.
To put women and youth at the center of these conversations, we must invest in targeted STEM education and mentorship programs for girls, especially in underserved areas. Funding should also be allocated to support women-led AI initiatives and research exploring the gendered dimensions of technology. Finally, meaningful representation matters: women must hold decision-making roles in AI governance structures, with clear accountability for inclusion and impact.
How do you approach the intersection of colonial legacies and contemporary data practices in Africa? What changes are necessary to move forward?
As a Muslim, Arab, and African woman, I carry identities that are often subjected to layered biases in global systems—including data and AI. The intersection of colonial legacies and modern data practices in Africa is marked by extractive data collection, external control over knowledge production, and dependence on foreign technologies. These patterns reinforce inequality and marginalize African voices and values.
To move forward, we need African-led data sovereignty, investment in local talent and infrastructure, and ethical frameworks that reflect African contexts. Decolonizing data also means promoting community ownership and integrating indigenous knowledge systems. The goal is not isolation, but equitable partnerships that empower Africa to shape its own digital future.
As a Fellow Researcher at the African Observotory on Responsible AI , what areas of AI are you currently researching, and why are they important?
As a Fellow Researcher at the African Observatory on Responsible AI, my current focus is on the Women in Focus initiative—an effort aimed at enhancing women’s leadership in the field of AI, particularly in AI governance across Africa. This work is crucial because women remain vastly underrepresented in both the development and policy dimensions of AI, despite the growing influence of these technologies on every aspect of our societies.
Through this project, we are building a supportive network that not only celebrates the contributions of African women in AI, but also works to ensure their voices are included in the decisions shaping AI systems and policies. My research looks at the intersection of gender, ethics, and AI policy, exploring how to create governance frameworks that are inclusive, equitable, and informed by African values and lived experiences.This work matters because inclusive AI governance is not just about fairness—it’s about creating more effective, locally relevant, and socially just technologies. By empowering African women to lead and participate in AI discourse, we help ensure that AI systems developed for the continent truly reflect the diversity and realities of the people they are meant to serve.
Your publications have explored technology’s role in shaping Africa’s future. What do you think are the most crucial technological advancements for Africa in the next decade?
I believe the most crucial advancements for Africa in the coming decade lie in ethical AI, digital infrastructure, and inclusive data governance. These are not just technical priorities—they are foundational tools for sovereignty, innovation, and social justice. AI and machine learning, when locally developed and ethically applied, can help us address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate resilience. But we must ensure that these technologies are transparent, fair, and rooted in African realities.
I also believe that Africa doesn’t have to replicate anyone else’s model. We have a real opportunity to shape a non-extractive, empowering relationship with technology—one that centers community, knowledge, and sustainability. That’s what I’m committed to working toward, step by step. The journey is long, and the race is fast, but with the right investments in skills, infrastructure.
Being recognized as one of UNESCO’s Top 20 Women Change Makers in MENA in 2022 is a significant achievement. How has this recognition impacted your work and career?
Being named one of UNESCO’s Top 20 Women Change Makers in MENA in 2022 was both humbling and empowering. It affirmed the value of the work I’ve been doing at the intersection of artificial intelligence, gender equity, and digital governance—not only in North Africa but across the continent. The recognition expanded my platform and helped spotlight the need for inclusive, ethical, and Afrocentric approaches to technology.
It also gave visibility to many of the causes I care deeply about: empowering women and youth in STEM, promoting AI ethics rooted in African values, and advocating for digital sovereignty across Francophone Africa. As someone who holds intersecting identities—Muslim, Arab, African, and a woman in tech—this recognition strengthened my resolve to challenge dominant narratives and push for more equitable representation in global AI policy spaces.
Finally, what is your long-term vision for Africa’s role in the global AI ecosystem, and what steps do you think need to be taken to make this vision a reality?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. From improving agricultural productivity (SDG 2) to enhancing healthcare access (SDG 3), AI presents transformative opportunities. However, without robust governance structures, these technologies may also amplify social inequalities, ethical risks, and systemic vulnerabilities.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want both underscore the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. Through platforms such as the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM), global and continental frameworks recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a key enabler in accelerating progress toward development goals. However, as AI becomes increasingly embedded within African societies, there is an urgent political imperative to pre-empt its unintended consequences, especially in nations where regulatory ecosystems remain underdeveloped or fragmented.
Moreover, the digital divide revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed unequal access to AI-powered health solutions, reinforcing the need for equitable technology deployment. Countries like Rwanda have begun using AI and robotics in healthcare, but such initiatives must be scaled across the continent with proper ethical oversight.
To ensure that AI supports rather than hinders the SDGs, several structural reforms are recommended:
- Establish National and Regional AI Governance Structures
- These should guide the ethical and legal use of AI across sectors (e.g., health, fintech, agriculture), addressing issues like privacy, accountability, and data sovereignty.
- Promote African-Centered Data Governance
- Innovation-friendly frameworks must manage the full data lifecycle—collection to deletion—while securing data ownership and ensuring its use aligns with local development goals.
- Advance Cultural and Ethical Integration
- AI development in Africa should reflect indigenous philosophies like Ubuntu, which emphasize solidarity, collective well-being, and the common good. These values should inform the design and governance of AI technologies.
- Create AI Labs and Open Data Councils
- These institutions can foster research, innovation, and multi-stakeholder engagement while ensuring transparency and accountability in AI policy and deployment.
- In conclusion, responsible AI is essential for Africa’s sustainable future. Aligning AI deployment with African ethical principles, strong governance, and inclusive digital ecosystems will enable the continent to leverage technology for development—on its own terms.
