Our Projects
Each of our projects is designed to advance ethical, inclusive, and context-driven approaches to AI governance. Through groundbreaking research, technical advisory, training, and advocacy, we address critical challenges in AI policy and practice.
Ongoing Projects
Africa-Asia AI Policymaker Network
The Africa-Asia AI Policymaker Network (AAAPoMaNet) is a platform connecting policymakers from seven African and Asian countries to promote responsible AI governance through collaboration and peer learning. Now coordinated by the Global Center on AI Governance, the network supports virtual and in-person engagements to advance national and regional AI policy development.
Generative AI for Development
In partnership with the Gates Foundation, GCG supported researchers across the Global South to explore how generative AI can address development challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
African Observatory on Responsible AI
The African Observatory on Responsible AI strengthens ethical AI governance in Africa through research, policy influence, and academic training.
Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) Communications
GCG was appointed by IDRC in 2024 to lead communications for the AI4D programme, which promotes inclusive and responsible AI in Africa and Asia. GCG supports AI4D’s internal and external communications, manages digital platforms, and developed both the new AI4D website and the Funders Collaborative website. This work helps strengthen the visibility and reach of AI4D in advancing responsible AI for development in the Majority World.
Global Index on Responsible AI
Covering 138 countries and jurisdictions, the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) is a data-driven tool tracking national efforts in ethical and inclusive AI. A new edition is coming in 2026.
Artificial Intelligence in the Majority World (AI in Society)
The AI in the Majority World section of Oxford’s AI in Society journal highlights critical research on AI from African and Global South perspectives. The first 16 articles were published in December 2024, and a second round is underway following a widely received call for papers in January 2025. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary scholarship and challenges dominant narratives in AI governance and development.
AI and Human Rights in Africa Certificate Courses
GCG, in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria and supported by Meta, developed a short course on AI and Human Rights in Africa. The 15-session course explores key ethical and legal challenges and builds capacity among governments, human rights defenders, and citizens. The first iteration was held in October 2024, with the second planned for October 2025.
Understanding Public Perceptions of AI in South Africa
GCG partnered with South Africa’s HSRC to include an AI-focused module in the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS). The 11-question module explores public perceptions of AI within the broader context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This first-of-its-kind effort in Africa provides valuable insight into how people understand and engage with AI and serves as a pilot for future public perception studies across the continent.
Data Protection Training Program and Toolkit
As AI adoption grows across Africa, data protection remains a key concern. While over 35 countries have laws in place, enforcement capacity varies. The Global Center on AI Governance is developing a training toolkit to support African Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in regulating AI and resolving disputes, especially with multinational companies. The program aims to equip DPA staff with practical tools to address complaints and promote responsible AI without adversarial approaches
Supporting the Implementation of the UNESCO Recommendations on the Ethics of AI
The African Observatory on Responsible AI is leading the rollout of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) across nine countries in Southern and Eastern Africa. RAMs help assess national capacities to implement the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and provide actionable policy guidance. This consultative process has so far produced four RAMs, with Kenya and South Africa’s now publicly available. The project supports the development of ethical, rights-based AI policies tailored to African contexts.
Past Projects
Emerging Technology Policies and Democracy in Africa
Commissioned by the Atlantic Council, this report explores how five African countries are governing emerging technologies, focusing on connectivity, digital infrastructure, and AI, to strengthen democracy and protect public interest.
Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Policy Governance in Africa(Data & Policy)
In partnership with Data & Policy, the African Observatory on Responsible AI led a special track on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Policy Governance in Africa at the 2024 Data for Policy conference. Held in London in July 2024, the track showcased African-led research and perspectives on AI governance. Nine selected papers were later published in Data & Policy’s December 2024 special collection, advancing global recognition of African scholarship in AI ethics and policy.
AI in Africa: A Landscape Study
Commissioned by Meta, this report explores Africa’s AI ecosystem. It analyzes governance frameworks, open-source innovation, and the role of AI in advancing equitable, risk-responsive digital development across the continent.