UDOM hosts AI workshop to strengthen good governance

DODOMA: THE University of Dodoma (UDOM) has hosted a high-level workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for good governance, aimed at promoting efficiency, transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors.

Organised through the African Artificial Intelligence Lab (AfriAI Lab) project, the workshop also focused on strengthening human rights and data protection in the digital era, where rapid technological advancement poses both opportunities and risks.

The AfriAI Lab is a collaborative initiative between UDOM and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). It seeks to build capacity, advance research and promote innovation in AI applications that directly address Africa’s developmental challenges.

Opening the event, UDOM Deputy ViceChancellor for Academics, Research and Consultancy, Prof Razack Lokina, highlighted the transformative role of AI in governance.

“If AI is properly used, we stand a chance to increase accountability in our systems and significantly improve livelihoods in the digital era,” he said.

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The event brought together academics, government officials and industry leaders to discuss methodologies for responsibly integrating AI in ways that uphold human rights and strengthen data protection.

Project Principal Investigator, Mohamed Mjahidi, said the initiative, which began in 2021, aims to establish a multidisciplinary and gender-inclusive research environment.

“We want to see this project contribute to curbing corruption, increasing trust in government systems and supporting long-term development,” he stated.

Prof Lokina concluded that the workshop reflects UDOM’s broader commitment to innovation and responsible AI practices tailored to African needs.

“As digital transformation deepens, this marks an important step toward harnessing AI’s potential for positive governance outcomes,” he stressed.