Yossra Kallali

Yossra Kallali is a highly experienced Legal Researcher from Tunisia, holding an MSc in African Union Law and Policies and another in Political and Legal Sciences (private law) from the University of Carthage. With over eight years of professional experience, she specializes in Youth and Women Empowerment, representation, and Migration Governance in Africa. Currently, Yossra serves as a Senior Advocacy Officer with Niyel, where she leads the Initiative for the Development of AI in Africa project. Her career highlights include significant contributions to policy development, program management, and advocacy efforts across national, regional, and continental levels within international organizations. She played a crucial role in advancing African Union initiatives such as the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE), African Youth-Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (AY-SRHR), and the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) during her tenure as a program assistant with GIZ African Union Office.

Yossra has also been instrumental in developing digitalization strategies for women and girls in STEM fields and leading the creation of knowledge products, including policy briefs, articles, and action plans. Her work extends to facilitating youth-led advocacy campaigns and contributing to resource mobilization for sustainable development.

Passionate about gender equality, human rights, and inclusive policies, Yossra has enriched her expertise through prestigious programs and fostering sectorial partnerships. She is a Member of the German African Leadership Academy, the African Women Experts Platform, the France Experts Platform, and the Young Policy Network on Migration, where she spearheaded a Spin-Off project on Migrants and migration in the COVID-era in Africa. Yossra remains dedicated to promoting social equity and driving impactful change across the continent.

Could you share your professional journey that led you to become Senior Advocacy Officer at NIYEL and how you became involved in data governance and AI policy advocacy in Africa?

First, my academic background is in Legal and African Union Law and Policy, and I have been involved and engaged in advocacy since my time as an undergraduate which coincided with the Tunisian Revolution- more than ten years ago including in matters related to human rights, women and youth empowerment, and their inclusion in decision-making processes- all at the national level. I had also been working in the Tunisian parliament, where I honed my skills working with parliamentarians and legislative bodies, supporting policy formulation, legislative advocacy, and governance reforms. So, this is part of the governance aspect.

At the parliament, I had engaged to advance policies on gender equality and general law, ensuring stronger legislative frameworks for inclusive development. To go beyond my place of comfort Tunisia, and as my interest and passion grew on law-making and policy development, I joined the African Union Youth volunteer corps where I worked at the African Union Commission (AUC) headquarters in Africa’s Capital, Addis Ababa, to work closely with African leader’s policy makers at regional and continental level. Within that period, I worked with different international organizations, influencing policy development, program management, and advocacy efforts at national, regional, and continental levels. Notably, I contributed to key African Union initiatives, including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) African Youth-Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (AY SRHR), and the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA), while working with the GIZ African Union Office on policies that directly impact African youth, migration governance, and gender inclusion. This experience has largely influenced the Pan-Africanist advocate in me.

Having previously contributed to digital transformation strategies for women and girls in STEM, I felt I had significantly impacted the UN's women's digital inclusion strategy. My role involved conducting research and analysis on crucial socio-political issues that directly affected people's lives, especially young women and girls. This experience was a pivotal point, inspiring me to further champion African women's inclusion in digital spaces during the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Amidst my work, I grew concerned about the standing of women and youth in the digital age and emerging technologies like AI, given their challenging circumstances. This concern led me to join Niyel, initially as a consultant and later as a senior advocacy officer. In this role, I lead the Initiative for the Development of AI in Africa project. My involvement in this project has immersed me in AI dialogues and conversations at both international and regional levels. Collaborating closely with researchers, I've had the opportunity to co-organize the AfricAI Conference, playing a key role in mobilizing researchers, government officials, and civil society organizations.

My interest in AI is driven by several factors, particularly the need to understand its impact within the African context. Having advocated for women's rights and worked to build their capacity against gender-based violence, I recognize that AI will significantly affect women if they are not informed and prepared. Joining Niyel's advocacy effort allowed me to deepen my understanding of AI and data governance. My goal is to continue advocating for and calling on women and youth to harness AI's potential responsibly, while protecting their dignity and privacy.

What specific experiences or observations motivated you to focus on advocating for ethical AI use across Africa?

What motivated me most was witnessing how invisible the conversation around AI and data governance was in many African contexts especially among the very communities most affected by these technologies. I remember attending early policy dialogues where the language was so technical and disconnected that local civil society actors felt excluded, even though they had so much to contribute. That disconnect really stayed with me.

But even more powerful were the everyday stories: young people confused about how their data was being used, farmers unknowingly part of AI testing pilots, or women facing online discrimination driven by biased algorithms with no clear place to turn for accountability. These experiences made it clear to me that without advocacy, AI would become yet another tool of inequality, deepening existing divides instead of solving them.

So I knew I wanted to work on changing that. Through my work at Niyel and the IDIA project, I’ve been able to help create space for more inclusive dialogue, build the capacity of civil society, and push for frameworks that center ethics, rights, and local realities. My motivation comes from a belief that Africa doesn’t just need to catch up with global AI trends, we have a right to lead with our own values.

How has your understanding of data governance and AI ethics evolved since you began your advocacy work, particularly in the African context?

Since I began my advocacy work, my understanding of data governance and AI ethics has evolved significantly, especially when grounded in the African context. Early on, I viewed these issues mainly through a technical or regulatory lens. However, over time, I have come to see them as deeply interconnected with questions of equity, justice, human rights and power, and more.

Working across Africa, I’ve seen first-hand how communities are often left out of conversations about technologies that impact their daily lives. In places where data systems are still developing and where people have long been excluded from decision-making the risks feel very real. Whether it's biased algorithms or invisible data collection, the consequences aren’t abstract; they affect people’s rights, their opportunities, even their dignity. What I’ve come to realize is that governance isn’t just about ticking the policy box, it's about people. It’s about making sure the rules we put in place actually reflect the voices, the needs, and the real experiences of the communities they’re meant to serve.

Engaging with civil society, policymakers, and local communities has taught me the importance of context specific solutions. Data governance in Africa must be rooted in our realities, our languages, our cultures, our socioeconomic conditions and centered around human rights. Even our problems- hence we also champion the slogan “African Solutions to African problems”. AI ethics can’t just import frameworks from the Global North; it needs to reflect the aspirations and real experiences and context of African citizens.

So today, I advocate not only for responsible and inclusive policies, but also for public participation at every step from strategy design to implementation. Because ethical AI in Africa must be co-created by the people it intends to serve or at least be aware of it.

At DataFest Africa 2024, issues like participation barriers and citizen mistrust were highlighted. From your experience, what are the most pressing challenges unique to implementing ethical AI governance in Africa?

DataFest Africa 2024, organized by Pollicy, raised some very real concerns. It was a great opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders, practitioners, and researchers working to improve data governance in Africa. From my experience, being part of conversations in forums like DataFest Africa 2024 really brings some truths home for me. I think most of the dialogue platforms also address these issues as they are quasi similar in the African countries, bearing in mind of course, the specifics of each country.

One of the biggest challenges I see in implementing ethical AI governance in Africa is that so many people simply feel left out, like these technologies are happening to them, not with them. I’ve met young people using AI tools every day without knowing what’s behind them. That lack of awareness creates real vulnerabilities. Many citizens are interacting with AI-powered tools without even knowing it, whether it’s through mobile banking, health services, or social media, yet they often lack the information or capacity to question how their data is used or whether decisions made by algorithms are fair.

That creates a major gap in participation and accountability. We are using AI in our daily lives- increasingly, but most people do not know it or they can’t tell it is AI because they just don’t know, and I think this is a very serious issue because if we don’t know where and how our data is used, we are exposed to anything by everyone. Today, hacking and accessing personal data is becoming easy with all these technologies. I worry that even when connecting to social media, I am not safe and I should carefully post even when I post about my personal life, then after a few minutes I regret it sometimes.

At the same time, we are often building these systems with limited resources, borrowed tools, and frameworks that weren’t made for our realities. It’s hard to have full control or adapt meaningfully when so much of the technology is coming from outside. Then there’s the mistrust, that quiet scepticism I hear when people ask, 'Who’s really benefiting from this?' or 'Will this protect me or just exploit me more?' These are real concerns, and they stick with me.

What I see, maybe most critically, is that there is a growing mistrust between citizens and institutions. Whether due to a lack of transparency, data misuse, or simply exclusion from decision-making processes, this mistrust can undermine even the most well-intentioned AI governance frameworks. If people don't feel that their rights are protected or their voices are heard, they won’t engage, and without that engagement, ethical AI remains a theory, not a practice.

For me, ethical AI in Africa isn't just a technical or policy issue, it’s deeply personal. It’s about people feeling seen, protected, and involved in shaping their future. We can't build trust or inclusion from the top down. It starts with honest conversations, accessible information, and giving people the tools to ask questions and demand better.

Could you share a specific advocacy initiative you led that successfully improved data governance practices or AI policy in an African country or region?

I am proud to be involved in UNECA’s Leveraging Digitalisation for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa Strategy. The strategy informed policy and decision-makers on the capacity development programmes to digitally upskill women and girls in selected African member states, where we have proposed reorienting the digital environment in favour of gender equality and women’s empowerment through strategic policy recommendations to strengthen agency.

One initiative I’m especially proud of is our work at NIYEL through the IDIA project, where we support advocacy efforts for more inclusive and ethical AI policy development across several African countries, with a focus on French-speaking countries in the West African region. A key moment was during our engagement in Burkina Faso, where we facilitated a technical regional workshop on the development of ethical AI guidelines designed specifically for the Francophone African context. What makes this special is that we are not just stopping at producing the guidelines, but we are making sure they are understood, used, and owned by different actors, from civil society to policymakers.

In fact, we work directly with fellows and partners in multiple countries like Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso to integrate these guidelines into their ongoing policy processes. For example, one of our fellows is working on the dissemination of the guidelines at national level with his ministry to bring these recommendations into discussions around digital transformation at the national level, ensuring that questions of ethics, inclusion, and human rights were not overlooked.

The IDIA project shows me how powerful it is when you combine technical expertise with advocacy and storytelling. By making the language of AI accessible, by equipping people with tools to engage, and by keeping the process inclusive, we were able to help shift the narrative bit by bit toward AI governance that actually reflects the needs and values of African people. I think it is a journey that we need to go through as advocates to make sure African problems are solved with African solutions.

You mentioned that unlocking the potential of data technology "should involve everyone from different sectors." How do you practically facilitate this multi-stakeholder engagement in your advocacy work?

For me, saying that data and technology should involve everyone isn't just a slogan; it's something I try to embed in the way I work every day. Practically, that means creating spaces where people from very different backgrounds, civil society, government, academia, youth groups, and even local communities can sit at the same table and contribute meaningfully.

In our advocacy work, we organize inclusive consultations, both online and offline, where the language and tools we use are accessible, not overly technical, so no one feels left out. We also work closely with partners who already have strong community roots to make sure our messages and conversations reach beyond the usual circles. One thing I’ve learned is that listening is just as important as sharing knowledge. It’s when you hear the concerns, hopes, and questions of others, especially those most often overlooked, that your advocacy becomes not just more effective, but more human.

That’s what drives me: ensuring that conversations around AI, data, and governance reflect the realities of our people and that every stakeholder, no matter their background, feels like they have a voice and a role in shaping the future. Hence, through IDIA at Niyel, we work to demystify AI and make it a familiar concept to decision makers, the public, and communities.

How does your advocacy address the digital divide to ensure marginalized communities benefit from AI advancements rather than being further disadvantaged?

I think addressing the digital divide should be the core of every advocacy because I’ve seen how easily technology can widen the gap if we’re not intentional. When we talk about AI, we often forget that many people still lack access to basic digital tools- as basic as electricity, a smartphone, let alone the internet. So in my work, I always ask: How do we bring the conversation to them? How do we make sure AI works for everyone, not just the privileged few? That means meeting people where they are, whether it’s through simplified content in local languages, offline engagement strategies like radio or community sessions, or collaborating with grassroots organizations who already have the trust of marginalized groups. We also push for inclusive policy processes, where people from underserved communities can actually speak for themselves, not be spoken for.

How effective do you find existing frameworks like the African Union Data Policy Framework in guiding ethical AI adoption, and where do you see gaps that need addressing?

Frameworks like the African Union Data Policy Framework and the AU Continental AI strategy are important steps in the right direction. They show that there’s a growing awareness at the continental level about the need for responsible data governance and ethical AI. I appreciate that these frameworks set the tone and offer guiding principles, but in practice, I’ve found that there’s still a gap between the vision and the realities on the ground.

One major gap is the lack of implementation mechanisms. Many member states either don’t have the resources or the institutional capacity to translate these frameworks into action. Another issue is limited public engagement. Policies are often drafted without meaningful input from civil society, marginalized communities, or even local tech innovators. This makes it harder to ensure the policies reflect diverse realities and actually protect people’s rights.

I also think we need to move beyond a compliance mindset and towards a culture of ethical innovation. That means helping governments and stakeholders not just follow frameworks, but truly understand the impact of AI on people’s lives, especially those most vulnerable.

What is your vision for Africa's relationship with AI technologies over the next decade, and how is Niyel working toward that vision?

My vision for Africa’s relationship with AI over the next decade is one rooted in sovereignty, inclusion, and equity. I want to see a continent where AI is co-created by Africans, with Africans shaped by our values, and used to solve the challenges we know whether it’s in healthcare, education, agriculture, or governance. And more than anything, I want to see citizens, especially young people and marginalized communities, feel empowered to question, shape, and benefit from these technologies. At Niyel, this vision guides our work every day. Through the IDIA initiative, for example, we’re supporting civil society, policymakers, and the public to understand what AI really means in their lives. We advocate for national and regional strategies that prioritize ethics, inclusiveness, and human rights. But we also focus on building demand from the ground up, supporting citizen engagement, creating accessible content in more understandable languages, and bringing AI down from technical jargon to real-world relevance.

We know that Africa’s future with AI doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s model. We have a chance to do things differently and to build a relationship with technology that is empowering.

What advice would you give to emerging advocates and policymakers who want to contribute to ethical AI governance in Africa?

I would say start where you are, and don’t be intimidated by the complexity of AI. Ethical AI governance isn’t just about coding or technical knowledge; it’s about justice, inclusion, and protecting people’s rights. If you care about those things, you already have a place in this conversation. For emerging advocates and policymakers, my biggest advice is: listen first. Talk to communities, understand their concerns, hopes, and how they interact with technology in their daily lives. That insight is just as valuable, if not more than any technical policy brief.

Also, don’t work in silos. Collaborate across sectors, learn from others, and bring people who are often left out into the process. This work requires empathy, persistence, and the courage to ask hard questions even when the answers are uncomfortable.

And finally, believe in the power of African solutions. We don’t need to copy-paste models from elsewhere. We have the creativity, the knowledge, and the cultural richness to build an approach to AI that is truly our own one that reflects our values and serves our people.