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African OBSERVATORY
FOR RESPONSIBLE
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Nawal Omar is an experienced professional in African technology policy research. With over 6 years of expertise, she excels in conducting in-depth digital policy research and governance analysis. Currently serving as a Researcher and Information Systems Manager at Research ICT Africa. Nawal's exceptional analytical and visualisation skills, coupled with her expertise in survey methodology, play a vital role in producing high-quality research. Specialising in areas such as Ethical AI, data justice, and digital inequality, she provides valuable insights and recommendations to shape responsible technology policies in Africa. With a master's degree in information technology, Nawal leverages her expertise to actively engage with stakeholders and policymakers, driving impactful change in the field of technology policy.
Responsible AI research is imperative for Africa's AI governance and the establishment of a sustainable digital future. My upbringing in Sudan under an oppressive regime exposed me to the regime's manipulation of information and restrictions on digital technologies, research, and data. These experiences profoundly influenced my pursuit of AI and technology research policy. Through my lived experiences, I recognised both the benefits and potential risks that emerging technologies can bring, particularly to developing and underdeveloped economies.
I became acutely aware of the challenges and harms associated with the development of AI systems in Africa. The exploitation of mineral resources and labor, driven by AI advancements, further exacerbates climate change risks in the continent. Therefore, evidence-based research focusing on responsible AI is crucial for ensuring Africa's AI governance and sustainable digital future. Additionally, Many African countries continue to struggle to achieve democratic rule, and the rapid rise of digital technologies and AI pose additional challenges. To establish well-functioning democracies in the digital age, African countries must prioritise AI and digital technologies transformation and governance supported by solid policy research, evidence, and data.
I firmly believe in the power of knowledge. By dedicating myself to responsible AI research, I contribute to Africa's AI governance and sustainable digital future. My aim is to promote ethical guidelines and conduct evidence-based research that is rooted in the African context, reducing knowledge and data colonisation, as well as informing the development of AI frameworks and policies, that uphold human and labor rights, address the harms experienced by immigrants and those affected by conflict-induced displacement, and combat climate change. Through these evidence-based approaches, we can harness the potential of AI for positive societal impact, driving sustainable development and inclusive progress throughout the African continent.
The implementation of AI in Africa is confronted by significant challenges arising from technical and infrastructural gaps. These include limited internet connectivity, unreliable power supply, scarcity of high-quality data, skills gap, inadequate research infrastructure, and the absence of supportive regulatory frameworks. These obstacles not only contribute to digital inequality but also underscore the potential risks of overlooking the need for context-specific data that captures the complexities of diverse cultures and languages across the African continent. Without equitable access to resources and the ability to shape AI systems according to unique cultural and ethical perspectives, Africa may struggle to fully harness the benefits of AI. Addressing these gaps necessitates collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensure data sovereignty, and foster inclusive and contextually relevant AI development in Africa.
Currently, I am engaged in Global responsible AI, where our focus is on assessing the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in over 120 countries from a human-rights based perspective. Our objective is to address research gaps in responsible AI, particularly in the global south, and empower governments, civil society, and stakeholders with evidence-based knowledge to promote the adoption of rights-based principles for AI. Our initial step involves evaluating countries' efforts and practices in responsible AI, with plans to continually enhance and refine our index to keep pace with the rapid developments in the AI field.
In addition, I am also involved in the After Access project, a comprehensive multi-country survey aimed at bridging the gaps in digital inequality research in Africa. The project seeks to understand the evolving barriers to adopting dynamic technologies and the emerging challenges that the continent faces after gaining access to these technologies. It also focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of the rapidly emerging digital and data economy, including areas such as digital identification, platform labor, digital financial services, and social networking.
Through our research projects, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact by promoting responsible AI practices and addressing digital inequality. By filling these gaps, we strive to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society, where technology benefits are accessible to all and human rights are protected in AI development and deployment. Our aim is to produce evidence-based research that lays the foundation for a future where technology serves as an empowering force, fostering positive social transformation.
When striving to address research gaps in the African region, I have encountered several challenges. One significant challenge is the lack of government support and institutional backing. Weak institutional frameworks and governance structures can hinder the effectiveness of policy research. In addition, insufficient coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and civil society, can impede the translation of research findings into practical policies. Moreover, resource constraints in many African countries pose difficulties in allocating sufficient resources to policy research initiatives.
Another critical challenge is the influence of political dynamics on policy research. The political landscape can heavily shape and impact the utilisation of research findings. If research results conflict with political interests or ideologies, they may not receive due consideration, resulting in a lack of evidence-based decision-making.
To overcome these challenges, a comprehensive approach is required. This involves increased investment in research infrastructure, capacity building programs, improved data collection and management systems, and the creation of an enabling environment for evidence-based policymaking. Collaborative efforts among governments, researchers, and civil society organisations are essential to address these challenges and enhance the impact of policy research in the African continent.
Having a greater purpose serves as a powerful driving force, pushing us to achieve more. When we are motivated to change the realities and shape a better future for our people and all individuals, we become more capable of making significant contributions to our respective fields. I firmly believe in the importance of continuous personal growth and striving for excellence in our work. While circumstances can be challenging, women, in particular, often face significant obstacles in the workplace. However, it is crucial to persevere and continually improve ourselves regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. We must utilise all available resources and means to enhance our skills and knowledge. Additionally, supporting our fellow women is essential, as we can collectively rise and shine together. By uplifting and empowering each other, we create an environment that fosters success and enables us to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can overcome barriers and achieve greatness, working towards a brighter future for all.
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