About Us
Democratizing Africa's AI Safety Ecosystem
The first collective effort to build AI Safety capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who We Are
We are a collective of Encode Africa Chapters working to build AI Safety capacity across the continent. We are pro-AI, pro-progress, and pro-innovation. That's precisely why we are committed to ensuring AI's potential is not overshadowed by its risks. Our mission is to strengthen Africa's footprint in the global AI Safety ecosystem by fostering a collaborative community where diverse actors contribute meaningfully toward upholding the AI 2030 commitments. We pursue this through advocacy, literacy, policy engagement, and community building, ensuring that Africa's voice helps shape the future of safe and ethical AI.
Our Plan
AI Safety Action Weeks
Intensive week-long programs combining workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities to build foundational AI Safety knowledge.
AI Safety Essentials Fellowship
Comprehensive fellowship providing in-depth overview of the AI Safety landscape and career pathways in the field.
Campus Organizing Circles
Student-led groups building grassroots AI Safety awareness and engagement across African universities.
Leadership
Meet the leaders guiding Encode SSA's mission to democratize AI Safety across Africa.
Kayode Adekoya
Advisor
Kayode is an economist, entrepreneur, and AI Safety advocate with a strong background in research, finance, and management across both public and private sectors. An active member of the Effective Altruism community, he has facilitated programs with EA Nigeria, the Equiano Institute, AI Safety Sweden and Career Planning - EA Germany, while contributing to research initiatives at the Wheeler Institute (London Business School) and the Forecasting Research Institute. He is the founder of The AI Guardian, an advocacy platform advancing AI Safety awareness in Africa. Passionate about systemic solutions for global betterment, Kayode brings expertise in ethical advocacy, problem-solving, and impact-driven initiatives to his role as an Encode advisor.
Yusuf Suleiman
Board Member
Yusuf is a project manager and data analyst with extensive experience in sustainable development, public health, and environmental data solutions. He has led data-driven projects at organizations such as Correlaid, Society for Family Health, and Locana, applying data and technology to improve health outcomes, expand rural electrification, and strengthen nonprofit capacity. With a strong background in GIS, data analysis, and project management, he also brings leadership experience from OpenStreetMap Africa and Visualization for Social Good. As a board member of Encode, he contributes expertise in data, sustainability, and technology-driven social impact to help build our AI Safety capacity building strategy for the region.
Joseph Awuah
Regional Lead & Executive Director
Joseph is a Türkiye Burslari scholar at Hacettepe University who took two gap years after high school to explore his interests, stack skills, and contribute to the global AI Safety network. During this time, he worked across youth-led organizations (Encode, Fidutam, JSAO, TAP), research projects (AI divide between the global south and north, AI Ecosystems mapping), and community initiatives, building expertise in quantum computing, project management, and AI governance. Passionate about diplomacy and technology, Joseph aspires to a career at the intersection of international relations and emerging technologies. At Encode SSA, he focuses on capacity-building and regional strategy as the Regional Lead and Executive Director of SSA Encode LBG.
We see our network as a strategic arena for global AI Safety movements to identify and collaborate with new talent, diverse thinkers, and regional organizations—all united by a shared mission to shape responsible AI development worldwide.