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Team

Our Team

Meet the dedicated team that's guiding our mission to build Africa's AI future.

Board of Directors

Dr. Uche Onyekpe

Director

Dr. Uche Onyekpe

Director

Dr Uche Onyekpe provides overall strategic leadership and vision for the African Institute for Artificial Intelligence, guiding its mission to advance responsible AI across the continent. He oversees program portfolios, partnerships, and institutional growth, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s long-term goals. Dr Onyekpe also represents the institute in high-level stakeholder engagements and regional forums. He is passionate about building sustainable AI ecosystems that centre African needs and perspectives.

Dr Ibn Wahab Benin

Director

Dr Ibn Wahab Benin

Director

Dr Ibn Wahab Benin serves on the Board of Directors, helping to shape the institute’s strategic direction and governance. He provides oversight on major initiatives, risk management, and institutional accountability. Dr Benin supports the leadership team with guidance on partnerships, research priorities, and impact metrics. His work focuses on ensuring that AI-4AI’s activities remain ethical, inclusive, and regionally relevant.

Karima Seidu

Secretary

Karima Seidu

Secretary

Karima Seidu serves as Secretary to the Board, ensuring effective documentation, communication, and coordination of governance activities. She manages board records, meeting minutes, and official correspondence for the institute. Karima helps maintain compliance with organisational policies and legal requirements. She also supports the leadership team by streamlining information flows between directors, staff, and key stakeholders.

Maame Efua Bentum

Treasurer

Maame Efua Bentum

Treasurer

Maame Efua Bentum oversees the financial stewardship of the institute as Treasurer. She provides guidance on budgeting, financial planning, and prudent resource management. Maame reviews financial reports and supports transparent reporting to the Board and external partners. She is committed to ensuring sustainability and accountability in how the organisation funds its programs and operations.

Senior Management

Sunday Wambui

Head of Community and Ecosystem

Sunday Wambui

Head of Community and Ecosystem

Sunday Wambui leads the Community and Ecosystem portfolio, building networks that connect practitioners, learners, and partners across Africa’s AI landscape. She designs initiatives that strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement. Sunday works closely with local and international stakeholders to grow AI-4AI’s membership, events, and outreach programmes. Her goal is to foster an inclusive ecosystem where diverse voices shape the future of AI in Africa.

Yemisi Obielodan

Head of Innovation and Applied AI

Yemisi Obielodan

Head of Innovation and Applied AI

Yemisi Obielodan drives the institute’s Innovation and Applied AI agenda, translating emerging technologies into real-world impact. She leads projects that explore practical AI solutions for social, educational, and economic challenges. Yemisi collaborates with technical teams, partners, and communities to pilot and scale innovative use cases. She is dedicated to ensuring that applied AI projects are ethical, human-centred, and contextually relevant.

Vikash Marik

Head of Capability Building

Vikash Marik

Head of Capability Building

Vikash Marik leads Capability Building, overseeing training programmes that equip learners, professionals, and organisations with core AI skills. He designs curricula, workshops, and learning pathways tailored to African contexts. Vikash works with educators, partners, and mentors to deliver high-quality learning experiences both online and in person. His work focuses on developing a strong pipeline of AI talent across the continent.

Dr Abiola Tolu Babatunde

Head of Academic Research

Dr Abiola Tolu Babatunde

Head of Academic Research

Dr Abiola Tolu Babatunde heads the Academic Research portfolio, steering the institute’s research agenda on AI in and for Africa. He coordinates research projects, publications, and collaborations with universities and research centres. Dr Babatunde mentors emerging researchers and promotes rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry. His work supports evidence-based policy, innovation, and education in the AI space.

Gilbert Obichere

Interim Head of AI Governance

Gilbert Obichere

Interim Head of AI Governance

Gilbert Obichere leads the AI Governance function on an interim basis, focusing on policy, ethics, and regulatory engagement. He develops frameworks and guidance to support responsible AI development and deployment. Gilbert works with policymakers, civil society, and technical experts to shape conversations on AI standards and safeguards. He is committed to ensuring that AI systems respect rights, fairness, and local values.

Marvellous Okechukwu

Strategy Delivery Manager / Interim Head of Operations

Marvellous Okechukwu

Strategy Delivery Manager / Interim Head of Operations

Marvellous drives the seamless execution of AI-4AI’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that ideas turn into effective programs and measurable outcomes. She oversees operations, aligns cross-functional teams, and implements systems that support sustainable growth and organizational efficiency. With a decade of experience across nonprofit and legal sectors, Marvellous brings expertise in strategy delivery, operational design, and program management — all grounded in structure, accountability, and impact.