2026 AI Policy Fellows

Abang Ulrich Akwo

Abang Ulrich Akwo is an experienced biochemical researcher and PhD candidate at PAUSTI based in Kenya. He applies his evidence-driven scientific rigor to AI governance in Africa, advocating for the responsible use of AI in health, biotech, and research integrity.

Zachary Omariba

Dr. Zachary Bosire Omariba is a Kenyan academic and cybersecurity expert serving as Head of the Department of Computer Science at Egerton University. His research focuses on cybersecurity resilience and leveraging artificial intelligence for real-world challenges.

Mequanint Birhan ALEM

Mequanint Birhan is an Ethiopian multidisciplinary scholar and Senior Lecturer pursuing a PhD in Sociology of Management at Lobachevsky State University in Russia. He has published extensively on organizational management, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and social development.

Mesfin Woldmariam

Mesfin Fikre Woldmariam is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at Addis Ababa University. His work focuses on inclusive tech solutions, AI policymaking, and predictive analysis for socio-economic development in technology-impoverished societies.

Endalkachew Girma

Endalkachew Girma is a One Health researcher and Health Biotechnology PhD candidate at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute. He utilizes bioinformatics and artificial intelligence tools to advance pathogen surveillance and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Enoch Otim

Enoch Otim is a legal academic and lecturer in the School of Law at Victoria University, specializing in Intellectual Property Law. His core interests include patent law, artificial intelligence regulation, and technology policy.

Delali Kwasi Dake

Prof. Delali Kwasi Dake is an Associate Professor of Computing and Head of the Department of ICT Education at the University of Education, Winneba. His work explores AI governance, ethics, machine learning, and global responsible AI from a Global South perspective.

Tinashe Malvern Madamombe

Chigozie Okeye

Okeye Chigozie Collins is a Full Stack Developer and Software Engineering Researcher acting as Lead Strategist for Great Collins Technologies. Currently pursuing a PhD in AI, he builds scalable web architectures and secure digital infrastructures for enterprise development.

Ismaila Salawu

Ismaila Salawu is a public policy researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Ibadan with expertise in evidence-informed policymaking. He leads research on institutional capacity and sustainable energy transitions across Africa.

Doreen Anthony Sinare

Doreen Anthony Sinare is a legal practitioner and intellectual property specialist pursuing a PhD at the Technical University of Munich. Her research aims to strengthen copyright collection systems and enforcement policies in Africa.

Danmore Ngoni Matutu

Danmore Ngoni Matutu is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Zimbabwe specializing in geographic information systems and environmental sustainability. He advances evidence-based climate interventions to solve land-based community problems and improve urban habitability.

Endeshaw Assefa Derso

Endeshaw Assefa Derso is an Assistant Professor of Statistics at the University of Gondar, applying machine learning and biostatistics to health data science. His interests include responsible AI and predictive modeling to inform evidence-based health policies.

Islam Mohamed Sorour

Josphin Vertiny Dwandji Djandja

Josphin Vertiny Dwandji Djandja is an air traffic controller and mathematical physics PhD candidate at the University of Douala. His research connects scientific modeling and operational systems with emerging AI governance and data-driven policies.

Sylvester Ebhonu

Sylvester Ebhonu is the Head of E-Library Services at the Admiralty University of Nigeria and a recognized Digital Transformation Leader. Known as "The Digital Librarian," he champions the responsible use of AI, digital literacy, and internet governance for youth empowerment.

Ruth Tafadzwa Nyamadzawo

Dr. Ruth Tafadzwa Nyamadzawo is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Durban University of Technology's International Centre for Non-Violence. She advances rights-based frameworks and inclusive social policies for marginalized groups, specifically addressing children's and disability rights.

Opeyemi Shittu Jamiu

Opeyemi Shittu Jamiu is a doctoral researcher in Educational Technology at the University of Ilorin. His work focuses on digital innovation and using artificial intelligence to globally preserve Yoruba indigenous medicinal knowledge for sustainable development.

Enock Mwakalila

Dr. Enock Mwakalila is an applied economics Lecturer and Consultant at Mzumbe University. His scholarship focuses on AI governance, macroeconomic policy, and technological transformation to build digital financial inclusion and climate resilience in Africa.

Frehiwot Gebrekrstos Girmay

Belinda Chepchumba Rop

Dr. Belinda Chepchumba Rop is a legal academic and researcher at the University of Dar es Salaam specializing in Migration and Refugee Law. Her work critically examines AI governance and how digital technologies impact human rights, protection, and inclusion for marginalized populations.

Isaiah Ugwueke

Isaiah Ugwueke is the Head of Government Relations and Partnerships at EyeCity Africa, driving multi-stakeholder policy engagement across the continent. He advocates for responsible AI adoption and digital transformation strategies within African governments and higher education systems.

Ghada Abdelkader

Ghada Abdelkader is a Professor of Human Anatomy and Embryology at Suez Canal University's Faculty of Medicine. She focuses on advancing medical education and supervising foundational anatomical research within her department.

Israel Mari

Israel Mari is a Ugandan PhD candidate and AI governance researcher at Shanghai International Studies University. He investigates how African data protection frameworks regulate Chinese-origin AI systems and digital infrastructure under the Digital Silk Road.

Clement Agyemang

Clement Agyemang is a doctoral researcher at the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. His expertise includes international human rights law and analyzing how national parliaments implement policies related to the right to development.

Eugene Arnaud Yombo

Joricke van der Merwe

Joricke van der Merwe is a Lecturer and PhD candidate in Educational Technology at the University of Cape Town. Through her consultancy and research, she develops frameworks for critical AI literacy, pedagogical governance, and equitable digital education in Africa.

Ray Clemence Tondoi

Ray Clemence Tondoi is an Administrative Coordinator and PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University. His research promotes public policy innovation, anti-corruption, and governance transformation to strengthen institutions across Africa.

Rashidat Adeola Ibrahim

Rashidat Adeola Ibrahim is an Academic Planning Officer and PhD researcher at Obafemi Awolowo University. She studies higher education governance and the ethical intersection of AI innovation and epistemic sovereignty in African institutions.

Phionah Achieng Uhuru

Phionah Achieng Uhuru is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Tutorial Fellow at Tom Mboya University. She advises governments and organizations on technology policy, emerging tech regulation, and legal compliance.

Damaris Mulwa

Dr. Damaris Felistus Mulwa is a Lecturer and Postgraduate Coordinator at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Her scholarship bridges mathematical modeling, artificial intelligence, and big data, while championing tech-based social impact through youth mentorship.

Kossi Amessinou

Bernabas Petros Gemecho

Bernabas Petros Gemecho is a public health researcher and Founder of Tena Link Social Enterprise. Pursuing a PhD at Addis Ababa University, his work centers on ethical AI governance, digital health systems, and culturally responsive technology adoption.

Queensley C. Chukwudum

Dr. Queensley C. Chukwudum is a financial mathematician and Senior Lecturer at the University of Uyo. She leverages stochastic processes and artificial intelligence to evaluate systemic climate financial risks and environmental sustainability across Africa.

Kiswendsida Romuald Zongo

Kiswendsida Romuald Zongo is an independent consultant and Doctoral Researcher in Sustainability Education at Prescott College. His work focuses on AI-enabled orbital resilience and ethical governance to align space technology with global sustainable development.

Henry Akwuebu

Dr. Henry Akwuebu is an executive at SYA Derivative and a seasoned governance professional with deep experience driving institutional reform. His policy interests span artificial intelligence governance, public-sector transformation, and human capital development in Africa.

Tina Aribi

Tina Aribi is a Public Health Researcher and data analyst with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. She strongly advocates for the ethical governance of artificial intelligence within epidemiology and community healthcare delivery systems.

Patrick Ajuno Sesay

Tami Koroye

Dr. Tami Koroye is a Law Lecturer at the University of Bradford and Chief Legal Officer at PowerDFI Africa. His research and policy work operate at the cutting-edge intersection of AI governance, FinTech regulation, and digital asset compliance.

Ousman Bajinka

Dr. Ousman Bajinka is a microbiologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of The Gambia. He promotes advanced biosafety and science communication, integrating multi-omics with research ethics across international health policies.

Andrew Tugume Karitani

Andrew Tugume Karitani is an Assistant Lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University and a PhD researcher. He specializes in Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, leveraging emerging tech to solve community issues and foster digital transformation.

Samaila Umar

Samaila Umar is the Executive Director of Digital Technology & Empowerment, leading initiatives for digital inclusion in rural communities. He focuses on ethical AI governance, community networks, and bridging the digital divide across Nigeria.

Elisabeth Achancho Etagha

Dr. Elisabeth Achancho is a postdoctoral researcher at the Free State Centre for Human Rights. Her interdisciplinary work focuses heavily on AI policy development, digital rights, and economic justice governance across Africa.

Kedir Yassin Hussen

Solomon Abebe Nurye

Dr. Solomon Abebe Nurye is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Gondar specializing in information systems development. His research actively contributes to AI policy and information security, supporting the ethical application of emerging technologies in academia.

Edson Ziso

Dr. Edson Ziso is a Visiting Research Fellow at Adelaide University and a scholar of African politics. His research deeply engages with China-Africa relations, international public policy, and the political economy of development.

Dr. Daliwa Joseph Bainamndi

Dr. Daliwa Joseph Bainamndi is a Senior Data Scientist and AI Engineer leading technology initiatives for Action for Youth and Environment. He applies computational methods to climate and health AI, advocating for inclusive digital governance that serves the Global Majority.

Asiwome Kwame Dzineku

Asiwome Dzineku is a strategist, AI governance practitioner, and CEO of the Feed Industry Alliance of Ghana. Currently pursuing a doctorate, he examines the institutional impacts of AI applications and digital transformation in African agribusiness policy.

Melat Desta

Melat Desta is a PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence and co-founder of Lucy Robotics and AI Lab. Her work focuses on self-interpretable AI for healthcare and shaping inclusive, responsible AI regulatory frameworks across Africa.

McLean Essiene

Daniel Dongo

Daniel Dongo is a postgraduate student and public policy researcher. He champions the use of quantitative research, machine learning, and data science as critical tools for public transformation and effective policy formulation.

Otlhapile Dinakenyane

Dr. Otlhapile Dinakenyane is a Lecturer and innovation strategist at Botswana International University of Science & Technology. She shapes national technology governance, cybersecurity strategy, and inclusive digital policies that empower women and youth in STEM.

Onyinye Onuh

Onyinye Onuh is an economics researcher at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA). She analyzes AI regulation, digital trade, and tech policy, prioritizing evidence-based research that centers African voices globally.

Henry Kyeremateng-Boateng

Henry Kyeremateng-Boateng is a PhD researcher in Philosophy at the University of Pretoria. He specializes in AI governance, algorithmic fairness, and analyzing the socio-technical implications of AI decision-making systems across the Global South.

Muhammad Bello

Muhammad Bello Kusharki is a cybersecurity specialist and Assistant Chief Programme Analyst at the National Defence College Nigeria. His doctoral research supports AI safety, privacy-preserving machine learning, and responsible AI deployment in high-sensitivity environments.

Ayanna Edwards

Dr. Ayanna Edwards is a Corporate Training Specialist and legal expert in international climate policy. She leverages her extensive background in sustainable governance to effectively communicate and guide complex energy transition regulations

Dereje Ferede

Dereje Ferede is a Lecturer at the University of Gondar and an experienced Information Systems Specialist. His academic research actively explores digital policy, artificial intelligence, and the governance of secure digital transformation.

Janet Maluki

Dr. Janet M. Maluki is a researcher, lecturer, and cybersecurity specialist. Her scholarly work advances AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, digital trust, and responsible AI policy to cultivate secure ecosystems in resource-constrained environments.

Eunice Omwoyo

Dr. Eunice Monyenye Omwoyo is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the African Centre for Technology Studies. She addresses AI policy, gender inclusion, and emerging technology governance to guide responsible digital innovation across Africa.

Ambrose Hans Ahanga

Ambrose Hans Ahanga serves as Head of Estates and operates as an emerging thought leader in tech law. He translates extensive technical knowledge into actionable strategies for the responsible and legally sound deployment of AI across the continent.

Edmund Terem Ugar

Dr. Edmund Terem Ugar is a Research Fellow and philosophy scholar analyzing the ethical and policy implications of sociotechnical systems. He interrogates bias, technological colonialism, and AI governance specifically within clinical and educational settings.

Emmanuel Ngalande

Niteesh Kumar Upadhyay

Dr. Niteesh Kumar Upadhyay is an Associate Professor of Law at Dhirubhai Ambani University, with expertise in human rights and technology law. He publishes widely on cyber regulations and leads international human rights legal research initiatives.

Evonne Mwangale Kiptinness

Dr. Evonne Mwangale Kiptinness is a lecturer and communications specialist with deep expertise in digital engagement and Social and Behaviour Change. She researches public health communication and media framing of misinformation within African policies.

Juliana Kimono

Juliana Kimono is a Magistrate Grade One and corporate governance professional in Uganda. She actively researches the ethical challenges, risks, and necessary regulations for applying AI within boardroom and courtroom settings.

Aminata Dembele

Dr. Aminata Dembélé is a Research Fellow, CEO of MASSAMOUSSO, and a pioneer in AI applied to cybersecurity. She is a passionate advocate for digital equity, working to shape policies that empower women and youth in the African digital economy.

Awonke Baba

Awonke Baba is a PhD candidate at the Centre for African Studies at the University of Cape Town. He also serves as a political sciences lecturer, exploring the socio-political implications of technology and governance in Africa.

Segun Otokiti

Selamawet Workalemahu Atnafu

Dr. Selamawet Workalemahu Atnafu is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering applying artificial intelligence to healthcare. She champions the responsible deployment, data governance, and ethical policy frameworks for AI in low- and middle-income regions.

Grace Kianira Itumbiri

Grace Kianira Itumbiri is a communications professional and digital governance Doctoral Researcher at the University of Cape Town. Her work examines the intersection of platform power, disinformation, and the necessity of Africa-bred technology policies.

Joy Mugambi

Joy Mugambi is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Master's student specializing in AI governance. She applies cross-jurisdictional legal strategies to operationalize responsible AI compliance and sustainable digital transformation.

Abdallah Abdul-Salam

Abdallah Abdul-Salam is a PhD candidate studying Management Information Systems. His research focuses on AI governance, digital government, and how institutional mechanisms build trust for public digital platforms in developing nations.

Owolabi Paul Adelana

Owolabi Paul Adelana is a Doctoral Researcher investigating the ethical integration of AI in STEM education. Drawing on deep experience as a science educator, he advocates for equitable and sustainable tech policies for low-resource contexts.

Leonard Joseph

Rotimi Segun Olowojaiye

Dr. Rotimi Olowojaiye is a literature Lecturer and researcher at Bowen University. He bridges digital humanities and oral literature, integrating generative AI tools into advanced education strategies to tackle community-engaged challenges.

Leon Dzumbira

Leon Dzumbira is an Energy Governance Lead and legal researcher focusing on environmental law and investment regulation. He formulates rights-based policies to ensure Africa's digital public infrastructure is governed with accountability and inclusion.

Inori Mary Agogo-Amara

Inori Mary Agogo-Amara serves as the Director of Legal Services at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. She is currently pursuing a PhD, with her research focused on establishing an effective legal and ethical framework for artificial intelligence in Nigeria

Victor F Olofinlade

Dr. Victor F. Olofinlade is a cybersecurity strategist and researcher specializing in digital trust and AI governance. He advises institutions on cyber risk management, regulatory compliance, and executing secure digital transformations.

Oyena Mahlasela

Oyena Mahlasela is a Cybersecurity Researcher exploring human-centric digital security. She translates complex cryptography into practical frameworks to govern AI threats, deepfakes, and multi-cloud vulnerabilities across the continent.

Rungano Sibanda

Loice Agong'

Dr. Loice Achieng' Agong' is a health informatics Lecturer and Researcher utilizing big data in healthcare systems. She champions the responsible application of artificial intelligence and IT security within regional digital health policies.

Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi

Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi is an ICT specialist and the Founder of Green Leaf AI. He advocates for evidence-based digital policymaking, bridging generative AI solutions with sustainable transitions and environmental governance.

Milica Lazarevic

Dr. Milica Lazarevic is a dual-PhD researcher analyzing the intersection of digital inclusion and human rights. She constructs policy frameworks designed to ensure essential AI and digital service deliveries remain equitable and human-centered.

Pascal Doh

Dr. Pascal Doh is an Adjunct Professor and education expert connecting Finnish and African institutional networks. He guides higher education strategic planning and sits on the African Council for Artificial Intelligence to shape tech-integrated educational policy.

Susan Adongo

Susan Sagina Adongo is the CEO of Development Tracking Tools and a recognized Environmental Governance Specialist. She uses data-informed decision-making to pioneer climate resilience and integrate AI governance into natural resource management.

Hellen Muringi Mwaura

Ahmed Salisu Garba

Professor Ahmed Salisu Garba is a public law scholar at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. His research critiques AI governance from a Global South-North disparity perspective to guide equitable constitutional policy frameworks.

Archangel Gundula

Archangel Metadio Gundula is a Graduate Research Assistant and psychometrician specializing in educational validity. He innovates assessment systems by rigorously exploring the intersection of psychometrics, adaptive testing, and artificial intelligence.

Rebecca Namirimu

Rebecca Elizabeth Sanyu Namirimu is a legal academic serving as Associate Dean at Uganda Christian University. She passionately advocates for responsible AI deployment, researching data ethics and intellectual property across selected tech policy jurisdictions.

Eliud Kiprop

Dr. Eliud Kiprop is an Assistant Professor at Lakeland University Japan working on interdisciplinary environmental studies. He spearheads data-driven approaches and AI governance frameworks to guide responsible tech use and institutional policy planning.

Suzgolamala Hara

Suzgolamala Hara is a Law PhD candidate investigating intellectual property and digital rights. She helps shape emerging technology regulation by evaluating algorithmic accountability and responsible AI governance for the Global South.

Wellington Amponsah

Patience Nomonde Mchunu-Sussmann

Monde Mchunu-Süssmann is a marketing leader and the founder of the AI Ethics Research Institute. Pursuing a PhD in AI Ethics, she guides the responsible and ethical deployment of digital transformation strategies in global business environments.

Shadrack Igunza Onzere

Shadrack Igunza Onzere is an English Lecturer and Swahili specialist examining the cultural impacts of emerging tech. His research actively highlights the ethical implications of how AI and digital technologies reshape African storytelling and knowledge systems.

Thomas​Ageebee

Thomas Ageebee is a data-driven Chief Scientific Officer at the Energy Commission of Nigeria, specializing in energy modeling and sustainable development. He leverages machine learning and statistical analysis to guide evidence-based energy policy and climate strategies

Hloniphile simelane

Dr. Hloniphile Yvonne Simelane is an Independent Researcher and International Development Specialist with over 20 years of experience in governance. Her multidisciplinary work examines the intersection of rule of law, emerging technologies, and inclusive socio-economic policies in Africa