New transdisciplinary project on AI governance in Africa (AI PAN-AFRICANISM)

 In April, ZeMKI launched a new international and transdisciplinary research initiative titled “Fostering Digital Pan-Africanism in AI Governance through Evidence and Action“ (AI PAN-AFRICANISM). The project is funded by VolkswagenStiftung in their ‘Change! Fellowship’ line of funding and led by Dr. Dennis Redeker. AI PAN-AFRICANISM conducts state-of-the-art mixed methods research and co-develops decolonial, rights-based, and Pan-African frameworks for governing artificial intelligence across the African continent, while supporting Pan-African civil society networks on AI governance.

At a time when AI technologies are rapidly transforming societies worldwide, the project addresses a pressing challenge: how to ensure that African perspectives, priorities, and knowledge systems are meaningfully integrated into global and regional AI governance. Grounded in conceptual discussions of digital sovereignty, digital constitutionalism, and postcolonial theory, specifically the work of Kwame Nkrumah, the initiative seeks to advance a distinctly Pan-African approach to AI policy and regulation.

AI PAN-AFRICANISM brings together a transdisciplinary team combining academic expertise from political science, communication studies and law, as well as well-established civil society partners. The research team initially includes two postdoctoral researchers – Dr. Adio Dinika, who co-leads the project, and Dr. Chiara Spiniello – as well as doctoral researcher Imane El Qochairi. Together, they will work closely with civil society and academic partners across Africa.

Partners of ZeMKI in this project are three leading African and transnational civil society organizations that bring extensive experience in digital rights advocacy, media freedom, and policy engagement:

• The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), a regional non-profit organization established in 1997, is one of the most influential press freedom and freedom of expression organizations in West Africa. With consultative status at the United Nations and observer status at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, MFWA has a long-standing track record in promoting human rights online, access to information, and accountable governance.
• Media Rights Agenda (MRA), based in Nigeria, is a leading NGO promoting media freedom, access to information, and digital rights across Africa. With significant experience in research, advocacy, and capacity-building, MRA contributes to strengthening democratic accountability and protecting fundamental rights in the digital age.
• The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is a global federated NGO committed to advancing digital inclusion and rights-based digital governance. APC brings deep expertise in policy development and advocacy, working to align AI governance with continental frameworks such as the African Union’s AI strategy and data policy initiatives. The organization emphasizes equitable, transparent, and locally grounded approaches to AI governance.
  

Closely connected to this consortium, Strathmore University’s Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT), based in Nairobi, is an associated academic partner. It is internationally recognized for its work on technology policy, digital rights, and it recently launched the East African AI Policy Hub. CIPIT will host one of three “envisioning AI Pan-Africanism” workshops. Additionally, AI PAN-AFRICANISM is supported by an advisory board of twenty well-known figures from African and global human rights and AI governance organizations – including researchers, policymakers and activists. 

Methodologically, AI PAN-AFRICANISM adopts a mixed-methods and innovative research design. It combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture both institutional dynamics and public attitudes toward AI governance. The research includes interviews and participatory workshops with civil society representatives across Africa, enabling the co-production of knowledge and policy-relevant insights. In addition, the team will conduct and regularly publish systematic analyses of African AI policy documents at national, regional, and (if relevant) international levels.

Beyond research, the project places strong emphasis on translating findings into actionable outcomes. Through stakeholder engagement, policy dialogues, and knowledge-sharing activities, the project seeks to support policymakers, civil society actors, and regional institutions in shaping AI governance that reflects African priorities and values. With its unique combination of academic excellence, civil society engagement, and policy relevance, AI PAN-AFRICANISM positions ZeMKI as a key contributor to global debates on AI governance – while amplifying voices and perspectives from across the African continent.

AI PAN-AFRICANISM started on 1 April 2026 and will run until the end of March 2030.