AI-RISE: Shaping the Future of Intelligence in Africa

Who we are

AI-RISE (Artificial Intelligence – Research, Innovation and Social Education) is a research and advocacy initiative based in Harare, Zimbabwe, working to promote responsible AI deployment across the country and the continent. We believe AI should be a force for positive social impact — used to address Zimbabwean and African challenges and improve lives, guided by ethical, responsible policy. Alongside our work on innovation and capacity building, we examine how AI intersects with human rights and the environment in Africa — from the extraction of critical minerals that power AI hardware, to the growth of data centre infrastructure across the continent — to ensure that Africa's role in the AI value chain doesn't come at the cost of the people and ecosystems already most exposed to its risks.

Our Vision

Unlocking the potential of AI for positive social impact
Sustainable AI solutions that address Zimbabwean and African challenges
A future where everyone has the knowledge and skills to participate in and benefit from responsible AI
A future where AI policies guide responsible development and ensure beneficial use across sectors — with the human rights and environmental costs of AI's supply chain fully accounted for

What We Do

AI Research: Conducting research in collaboration with academia, industry, and government; publishing papers, articles, and books to share knowledge and insights — including on the human rights and environmental implications of AI infrastructure in Africa.
AI Innovation Hub: A platform for innovators and startups to develop AI-powered solutions, with resources and mentorship to support innovation.
Capacity Building: Building AI awareness, ethics understanding, and responsible adoption through accessible educational programs, workshops, and community outreach.
Policy & Advocacy: Collaborating with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to advocate for ethical AI policy — including engagement with regional and international human rights bodies on the impact of AI-driven critical minerals extraction and data centre infrastructure in Africa.