Story by: Paul mensah Nsor
Beyond AI series hosted a workshop on the Theme:"WOMEN HOLD UP HALF THE SKY BUT WHO OWNS THE CLOUD?", emphasizing the need for women's involvement in tech and data ownership. Kambale Musavuli, founder of Beyond AI, highlighted the disparity between women's contributions to AI development and their lack of ownership in the space.
The workshop featured a panel of women experts, including Farida N. Bedwei (Technology leader), Jennifer Addochoe Moffatt, Emmanuella Boahenmaa Owusu, and Aincre Maame-Fosua Evans, who discussed the dangers of AI and the importance of advocacy. Musavuli emphasized the need for education on data importance and digital sovereignty.
Jennifer Addochoe Moffatt, BudgIT Ghana’s Country Director and civic-tech specialist advancing transparency and citizen engagement through data and technology , opened the conversation by framing the debate around who finances and ultimately controls technological development on the continent.
Panelists urged a shift from dependence on external donors toward local investment and agency. Jennifer Moffatt argued that many African AI initiatives today are donor-funded or supported by individuals using personal resources, which raises questions about who truly “owns the cloud” and who benefits from technological advances. The discussion emphasized that without deliberate local investment and policy support, Africa risks remaining a consumer rather than a creator of critical technologies.
A recurring theme was the need to expand women’s roles beyond consumption of technology to active participation in design, development and governance. Panelists noted high smartphone penetration among attendees but challenged the audience to consider how devices are used and whether women are creating the tools that will shape future economies and societies.
Farida N. Bedwei, Technology leader, a featured contributor to the discussion, was singled out for prompting deeper reflection on gender barriers. Her remarks characterized by panelists as provocative and constructive encouraged participants to look beyond perceived disadvantages and to pursue proactive strategies for inclusion. Speakers highlighted her example as evidence that individual initiative, coupled with supportive ecosystems, can yield tangible impact.
Jennifer Addochoe Moffatt called for coordinated action across government, private sector and civil society to create funding mechanisms, training programs and regulatory environments that enable women and African-led teams to take ownership of AI projects. Recommendations included targeted investment in local research, mentorship for women in tech, and policies that prioritize data sovereignty and local capacity building.
The event brought together civil society leaders, technologists and policy advocates to explore gender inclusion, funding and local ownership in AI and data-driven technologies.
As the conversation concluded, panelists reiterated that technology presents an unprecedented opportunity for rapid development but only if Africa and its women seize leadership roles in building, funding and governing the systems that will shape the future.
