Founding CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance Rachel Adams raised concerns about how artificial intelligence could exacerbate inequality across Africa, with women likely to be the most affected.
As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly expands across Africa, concerns are growing over its potential to deepen gender inequality. Despite AI’s promise for economic growth, women remain underrepresented in the industry, and biased AI systems risk worsening existing disparities.
Globally, women account for only 22% of AI professionals, with even lower representation in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 30% of tech professionals, limiting their influence in shaping AI systems. This lack of diversity raises concerns about fairness and inclusivity in AI-driven decision-making.
Research shows that 44% of AI systems exhibit gender bias, with 25% displaying both gender and racial biases. In Africa, such biases can have serious consequences. In healthcare, AI diagnostic tools trained primarily on male patients may lead to misdiagnoses in women. AI-driven recruitment tools also risk favoring men, reinforcing workplace inequalities.
Additionally, many AI technologies, such as digital assistants, default to female voices, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Experts warn that if these biases remain unaddressed, AI could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit opportunities for women.
To close the gap, experts advocate for increased participation of women in STEM, stronger gender diversity policies in tech companies, and continuous audits of AI systems to eliminate bias. Without deliberate action, AI risks leaving African women further behind in the digital age.
