Who Holds AI Accountable? Youth Voices To Interrogate Responsive and Inclusive Technology Solutions for Africa

​Context and Rationale

​Artificial intelligence (AI) is on track to transform systems and societies across Africa, from diagnostics and telemedicine to health data analytics and epidemic surveillance. However, without strict accountability mechanisms and inclusive design, AI risks perpetuating existing inequalities, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities.

​Accounting for over 65% of the population, young people in Africa are the most digitally connected and demographically significant generation currently. They are both the future workforce and the moral compass of the digital age and their voices need to be centred in global AI and policy discussions.

​This session seeks to amplify youth perspectives on AI accountability framed through a youth-responsive and digital inclusive lens. Hosted under the C20 Working Group on Digitally Inclusive Economies (W13) and in partnership with Palindrome Data, and Women in Global Health, this youth-focused dialogue aims to strengthen advocacy for ethical, transparent, and equitable AI systems across various sectors including health, gender equity, and technology.

​Panelists

• ​Thato Nkabinde - Project Manager, Palindrome Data

• ​Dr Eleleta Surafel - Chapter Lead (Ethiopia), Women in Global Health (WGH)

• ​Farhan Yusuf - Pharmacist, Public Health and AI Policy Expert

• ​Othniel Nimbabazi - Regional Youth Champion (SSA), Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab)

​Speakers

• ​Nomusa Nkwanyana - AI Policy & Governance Researcher, Wake Up South Africa

• ​Bhavita Bhanumati - AI and Social Impact Researcher, Wake Up South Africa

​We look forward to engaging in an open and honest discussion!