Chinasa T. Okolo, a Nigerian-American computer scientist and Brookings Institution fellow, has earned a spot on TIME’s prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This recognition is part of TIME’s second edition of the TIME100 AI list, which aims to spark dialogue among global leaders in the AI space and highlight individuals shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field.
A Focus on AI Governance and Human-Centered Technology
Okolo’s recognition comes on the heels of her extensive research in AI governance, policy, and human-centered technology. With a PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University, she has concentrated her work on areas such as AI literacy, explainable AI, data economies, and the intersection of AI with African development and global health. Her contributions are helping to shape the way AI is understood, developed, and governed, particularly for communities that stand to benefit the most—and potentially lose the most—from this powerful technology.
In an age where AI is increasingly seen as a tool to solve a wide range of challenges, Okolo’s work serves as a reminder of the technology’s dual-edged nature. While AI holds immense promise, particularly for sectors like flood detection and crop disease monitoring in Africa, Okolo emphasizes the potential risks, such as digital harassment on microlending platforms and the exploitation of data from marginalized communities.
AI’s Impact on the Global South
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In its recognition of Okolo, TIME underscores a pressing issue: the potential for communities in the Global South to be left behind by AI advancements. As much of AI development is concentrated in Silicon Valley, these regions face the threat of being excluded from the benefits of new technologies, victimized by biased AI systems, or exploited for their data without receiving equitable value in return.
Okolo has dedicated herself to mitigating these risks through a combination of policy advocacy, public speaking, and the publication of research papers that address these concerns. In her own words, “I initially transitioned into AI because I saw how computational techniques could advance biomedical research and democratize access to healthcare for marginalized communities.”
During her undergraduate studies at Pomona College, Okolo began working with a human-computer interaction professor, where she first encountered the problem of bias in AI systems. This experience was pivotal in shaping her career trajectory toward addressing both the benefits and harms of AI, particularly in regions like Africa that are too often overlooked in global tech conversations.
Contributions to Global and Continental AI Strategies
Okolo’s influence extends beyond academia. She has made significant contributions to major international AI strategies, including:
- The International Scientific Report on the Safety of Advanced AI, led by Yoshua Bengio.
- The African Union’s (AU) strategy for responsible AI adoption, aimed at helping African countries prepare for the development and governance of AI.
- Nigeria’s national AI strategy, guiding the country toward a sustainable and ethical AI future.
Her work with the African Union (AU) is particularly noteworthy. Okolo played a key role in developing the AU-AI Continental Strategy for Africa, which seeks to empower AU member states to adopt AI responsibly. The strategy emphasizes local ownership, equitable development, and the avoidance of neo-colonial practices that could undermine African autonomy in the AI space.
Navigating the Complexities of AI
Okolo’s optimism about AI’s potential to drive socioeconomic development in Africa is tempered by her concerns about the competitive AI race. As she stated, “I’m optimistic that AI could help fuel socioeconomic development that has been much needed in Africa for the last half-century. But I’m also concerned that this competition could limit the autonomy of African countries and perpetuate neo-colonial practices that have negatively impacted their economies.”
In discussing the challenges that AI presents, Okolo is clear that the technology is often overstated in its capabilities. “AI has been made to be the solution to all problems, but it is not. A significant number of AI tools and systems that have been put into public deployment overstate their capabilities and simply don’t work,” she remarked. Okolo advocates for increasing AI and data literacy within the general public to ensure that these tools are used responsibly and that their limitations are well understood.
Looking Ahead: A Leader in AI Advocacy and Research
Reflecting on her recognition by TIME, Okolo sees it as an important milestone in her early career. “Receiving this recognition a year after earning my PhD and a year into my professional career is considerable motivation for me to continue my research and advocacy,” she noted.
Her work continues to evolve as she balances the roles of a researcher, advocate, and thought leader in the global AI conversation. One of her proudest achievements remains her contribution to the AU-AI Continental Strategy, a project that holds the potential to shape the future of AI in Africa for years to come.
As AI technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, Okolo’s efforts to improve the responsible adoption and governance of AI will be crucial in ensuring that its benefits are distributed equitably, and its harms are minimized.
