Decolonising AI for Development

AI & Development: Reclaiming Power, Ethics & Equity in the Age of Algorithms

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping global development, but who controls it, and who benefits? At LPFDev, we are currently looking at that the role of AI in international development through a decolonial, anti-racist, and equity-driven lens.

This project explores how AI systems, often developed outside the continent, risk reinforcing colonial power structures, extracting African data, and marginalising local voices.

We are particularly concerned about:

• The biases baked into AI tools used in credit scoring, public services, and humanitarian decision-making

• The lack of digital sovereignty in African nations

• The rush to deploy AI in development without ethical guardrails or community input

We aim to build collective understanding, push for accountability, and centre African and diaspora perspectives in shaping how AI is used in the sector.

What We’re Working On

This initiative is currently in development. We are co-creating:

• Research & reflections on bias, power, and digital colonialism in AI

• A collaborative Decolonising AI framework for development organisations

• Spaces for learning & dialogue across the sector

• Tools and case studies spotlighting African-led and ethical AI alternatives