07/05/2026
On May 6, 2026, I delivered a keynote address at the 1st International Interdisciplinary Biennial Conference on “Artificial Intelligence and the Human Future: Ethics, Communication, and the Voices of Women and Youth at the Margins,” held at Dominican University Ibadan from 6–7 May 2026. The event brought together the Vice Chancellor, professors, scholars, and students for critical dialogue on the future of AI.
In my presentation titled “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence: Empowering Women and Youth in the Digital Future,” I emphasized that the future of AI must be intentionally inclusive. I began by sharing a personal story of transformation through the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, illustrating how a young girl trained in solar technology rose to become a confident innovator. This example underscored a central message: when girls are given access to knowledge and opportunity, they do not just participate in the future—they shape it.
I reflected on my own upbringing and how it shaped my commitment to expanding opportunities for young girls, leading to the establishment of BEMORE. Through this initiative, I have witnessed firsthand how digital and technical training can unlock confidence, creativity, and leadership potential among girls.
I highlighted the global context of Artificial Intelligence, noting both its transformative potential and the risk of deepening existing inequalities if inclusion is not prioritized. With women significantly underrepresented in STEM and AI, and Africa possessing a rapidly growing youth population, I stressed that investing in digital skills for young people—especially girls—is both an urgent necessity and a strategic opportunity.
Drawing from BEMORE’s impact, I shared success stories of young women who have gone on to excel in solar entrepreneurship, engineering, data analysis, and creative industries. These examples demonstrated that while talent is universal, access to opportunity remains uneven.
I called for deliberate action through five key areas: reforming digital education, promoting gender-inclusive STEM policies, expanding infrastructure, establishing community innovation hubs, and ensuring ethical AI governance.
Looking ahead, I painted a vision of Africa in 2040—where women and youth are at the forefront of AI innovation, renewable energy powers communities, and African talents drive global technological advancement.
I concluded by emphasizing that while Artificial Intelligence will shape the future, it is our collective choices that will determine whether that future is equitable and human-centered. I urged stakeholders to commit to empowering women and youth, noting that investing in them today is essential to building an inclusive and sustainable digital future.
--Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the Founder of BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation. Email: [email protected]