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African OBSERVATORY
FOR RESPONSIBLE
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Maha, a native of Tunisia currently serves as a Digital Communication officer at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and is a member of its AI Task Force, working to advance the African Union’s strategy for the ethical use of artificial intelligence in Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies from Tianjin University of Education and Technology (China) and is presently pursuing further studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, specializing in institutional governance in Africa, particularly within the African Union Commission.
Growing up in a North African and Francophone context, I’ve witnessed how technology can be both empowering and exclusionary. Francophone Africa has been often left out of global AI discussions, with policies and narratives that rarely reflected our realities. That absence fuelled my determination to bridge this gap—ensuring that ethical AI frameworks are not just imported models but are built upon our unique socio-economic and cultural contexts.
I am also deeply motivated to challenge biases that marginalize African and Muslim voices in global AI conversations. Too often, these discussions are dominated by Western perspectives that fail to acknowledge the histories, needs, and contributions of our communities. For me, responsible AI isn’t just about policy—it’s about reclaiming agency over how technology shapes our societies.
I find inspiration in Miriam Makeba, whose connection to Algeria exemplifies Pan African solidarity. When she was exiled from South Africa for her outspoken stance against apartheid, Algeria welcomed her with open arms, granted her citizenship and honored her legacy. Her iconic performance in 1972, where she sang in Arabic for the first time—“I am free in Algeria… The era of slaves is over”—was more than a song. It was a political statement.
I see parallels between her journey and my own advocacy for ethical AI. Just as Algeria became a refuge for those fighting for liberation, I want to create intellectual and policy spaces where African and Muslim perspectives in AI are not just included, but central.
In 2015, I joined the African Union Youth Volunteer Program as the first North African woman in my cohort. Working on the End Child Marriage Campaign showed me how technology, language, and policy intersect to drive social change. I saw firsthand how digital tools could empower communities but also how exclusionary practices in technology and policymaking could leave entire groups behind. This experience cemented my commitment to ethical AI and responsible tech governance.
That same year, attending the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa introduced me to Agenda 2063, the continent’s ambitious blueprint for transformation. The idea of Africa becoming a united, prosperous, and peaceful continent over the next fifty years resonated with me deeply. It reinforced my belief that ethical AI and tech policy aren’t just governance issues; they shape Africa's future. Technology should be a tool for empowerment, not exploitation.
One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was organizing workshops with youth from Francophone Africa to discuss digital transformation. Held in Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Benin, and Burkina Faso, these sessions provided a space for young people to engage critically with the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy. They revealed structural barriers within Francophone administrations, from IT governance gaps to limited open governance principles.
Another highlight was serving as the African Regional Coordinator for the 2023 Global Responsible AI Hackathon. Seeing young African developers and researchers tackle real-world AI challenges was inspiring—it demonstrated how grassroots efforts can drive meaningful change.
I’m also particularly proud of my contribution to Senegal’s Responsible AI Global Index, which brought ethical data practices in a Francophone African context to the forefront. Given that e global AI discourse is shaped by Anglophone institutions, ensuring Francophone Africa's visibility is crucial.
Each of these projects reinforced my belief that ethical AI in Africa must be inclusive, localized, and shaped by those who understand the region’s unique challenges.
My work has helped amplify Francophone African voices in AI governance. By raising awareness of the African Union’s Data Policy Framework and advocating for tailored data governance strategies, I’ve seen growing interest from Francophone nations in aligning their policies with broader Pan-African initiatives.
African philosophies should shape our approach to AI ethics. Concepts like South Africa’s Ubuntu( resilience, human dignity), North Africa’s Twiza (a Berber philosophy of unity and solidarity) and Senegal’s Teranga (generosity, hospitality) highlight how our ethical frameworks prioritize collective well being. AI in Africa must not be driven solely by efficiency or profit, but by social justice.
Francophone Africa’s linguistic and cultural diversity uniquely positions it to shape inclusive AI policies. By strengthening collaboration between Francophone and Anglophone African countries, we can build a unified AI governance framework that ensures Africa is not just a consumer of technology but a leader in its ethical development and implementation.
As a North African Muslim woman, I’ve encountered stereotypes and biases, particularly global discussions where African women remain underrepresented.
A powerful example of overcoming structural barriers is Algeria’s gender quota policy, which increased women’s parliamentary representation to 31.6% in 2012. This progress reminds me of the importance of claiming space for our narratives. Too often, the global discourse on AI, policy, and governance overlooks the voices of African women, reducing our presence to tokenism rather than genuine leadership.
These challenges have only deepened my commitment to breaking barriers and creating pathways for other African women and young girls to enter the field. Through mentorship, advocacy, or policy work, I am dedicated to ensuring that our voices are not just included but centered in the conversation about Africa’s digital future.
Addressing bias in AI systems starts with diversifying the teams that develop these technologies. In Africa, this means investing in local talent, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems, and creating datasets that reflect our realities.
Projects like Wolof for AI in Senegal and Arabic with Python in Morocco prove that AI can be developed using African languages and knowledge systems. These initiatives challenge dominant narratives that associate innovation with the West while overlooking Africa’s intellectual contributions.
Equally important is fostering ethical awareness among AI practitioners and policymakers. By fostering collaboration between governments, academia, and civil society Africa can influence global standards rather than merely adapting to them.
True AI decolonization requires Africa to own its data, develop its algorithms, and embed its values in AI systems. This is not just about fixing biases—it’s about shifting power in global technology spaces.
Through AFRIA and my advocacy efforts, I’ve organized workshops and mentorship programs to build the capacity of young women in Francophone Africa. The next step is to ensure sustained funding for such initiatives and to create networks that connect women across Africa. Promoting role models and success stories is also critical to inspiring more women to join the field.
AI can be a game-changer for underserved communities by improving access to education, healthcare, and financial services. For example, AI-driven translation tools can bridge language barriers, while predictive analytics can enhance agricultural productivity. However, it’s vital to ensure that these solutions are co-created with communities to avoid perpetuating inequalities.
My journey, shaped by my identity as a North African, Berber, Arab and Muslim woman, has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusion. This perspective drives my vision for AI as a tool that reflects African values, fosters regional integration, and amplifies marginalized voices. My work aims to create an Africa where AI serves as an enabler of equity, not a perpetuator of bias.
Never underestimate the power of your voice and perspective. The tech world needs African women’s unique insights to create truly inclusive solutions. Lean on your community for support, seek mentors who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
To end , as Mariam Makeba said : La lutta continua … Continua .
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