Kristophina Shilongo

Kiito Shilongo is a researcher and feminist with a strong interest in participatory governance and sustainable approaches to the development and deployment of technology in Africa. Her work focuses on AI and data governance, where she explores inclusive, rights-based frameworks that center local contexts and lived experiences. She also curates and writes From The Margin, a newsletter that reflects on technology, power, and justice from the periphery.

Kiito's project will support Civil Society Organisations’ (CSOs) in Africa to participate in the implementation of two key tech policy frameworks: the AU Data Policy Framework and the Continental AI Strategy. The research will provide evidence- based recommendations intended to guide the development of data policies in African Union member states. Planned outputs include a leading research work to service as evidence for data governance policies and laws in various African countries, identifying and establishing public input ‘nodes’ for African civil society to influence AI and Data policy as well as providing technical support during open consultations.