Projects

Grounded in heterodex economics, we aim to provide rigorous research to contribute to the formulation of forward-looking public policies that mitigate intersectional inequities, support just data value creation (JVDC), inclusive data ecosystems, and responsible technology and innovation governance for an African Society 5.0.

Our projects include a public interest critical analysis of the global data divide, data governance, intersectional inequities, the potential risks and opportunities associated with datafication and the effects of technological change on trade, labour markets, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation, for the global Majority.

African Digital Futures: Transnational Governance for Society 5.0

The Society 5.0 vision is a concept originating from Japan that envisions a human-centric, data-driven society where digital technologies and innovations are leveraged to address societal challenges and improve quality of life.

Strategic planning, anticipatory governance, and foresight are needed to design policies and regulation that are dynamic, sustainable, equitable and contextually relevant to different groups of people in order to reap the benefits of data-driven digital transformation, contextualized to African realities.

Digital Trade, Data Governance, and the African Digital Single Market

Efficient intra-regional trade and supply chain management relies on the smooth flow of goods, services, capital, and data — thus cross- border movement of data is essential to many aspects of e-commerce and digital trade.

Promoting Digital Public Goods: Rethinking Data Governance and Responsible AI in Africa

The data-driven digital revolution presents an unprecedented opportunity for low- and middle-income counties (LMICs) to harness digital resources that have potential to accelerate development objectives. Consequently, improving access to and discoverability of digital public goods (DPGs) is crucial.

Responsible AI for Africa's Just Transition to the Circular Economy

Combining the potential of AI with a vision for Circularity represents a significant, largely untapped, opportunity to harness disruptive technologies and address the most pressing challenges of our time.