New African magazine has selected three influential women as Africa's top influencers in 2024.
The magazine selected Dr. Rediet Abebe, Dr. Abeba Birhane, and Nardos Bekele as Dr. Rediet Abebe is an assistant professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, researching the use of data and algorithms in artificial intelligence. She is the first Black woman professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences department and the second African woman in the university's engineering college's history.
Her research focuses on applying mathematics and algorithms to address issues of injustice, for which she has received awards. Motivated by the lack of opportunity she witnessed in Ethiopia, she is dedicated to bridging the gap in opportunities for young people, combining her research in computer science with studies on socioeconomic disparities.
Before moving to the US for educational opportunities, Rediet studied at Nazareth School. In 2016, she collaborated with another researcher, Kira Goldner, to establish a multidisciplinary research collective dedicated to applying computer science for social good. That same year, she co-founded Black in AI, a collective of over 1,500 researchers working on artificial intelligence and social injustice, alongside Timnit Gebru. Her work and contributions in this field led to her selection as one of this year's 100 most influential Africans.
Another Ethiopian woman recognized by the magazine is Dr. Abeba Birhane, who describes algorithms as "embodied ideology in code." She highlights that code is largely created by white men, often reflecting biases invisible to non-white people and women, and that the negative global impact is significant, prompting her to expose these issues.
Born and raised in Bahir Dar, Abeba earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science from Bahir Dar University. She then moved to Ireland, obtaining a second degree in psychology and philosophy, followed by a PhD in cognitive science from Dublin City University. Collaborating with Professor Vinay Prabhu, she researched and identified widespread biases in AI systems, particularly in image data. Her research revealed how biased AI algorithms negatively portray older workers, vulnerable communities, refugees, and children. She has extensively written about "Algorithmic Colonization," arguing that it's a product of systemic agendas. Her efforts to decolonize computer science have resonated strongly with those affected by the system. Her impactful 2019 research on ethical considerations earned her an award from the Black in AI research collective, and in 2021, she was included in the AI Ethics Hall of Fame's top 100 women. Featured in Time magazine's 2023 Top 100 Influencers, Abeba established a research group at Trinity College Dublin focusing on AI ethical accountability. She is also a senior researcher in Mozilla Foundation's department dedicated to using AI for good.
Nardos Bekele is the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD). In this role, she has significant responsibility in realizing the ambitious vision of the African Union since its founding in 1963 as the Organization of African Unity. NEPAD, the technical arm of the AU, focuses on project planning, technical assistance, and capacity building for member states. The magazine highlights her effective leadership in this role.
Before her 2022 appointment, she served over four decades in international development organizations, including the UN Coordination Office in South Africa. She also served as a UN Development Programme (UNDP) representative in Kenya and Benin, and as a senior director in the UN Secretary-General's office. As the first woman to lead NEPAD, she is working to increase the participation of women and youth in the African Union and promote fairness. Her focus on strengthening regional ties between African countries, expanding agricultural transformation, and reducing youth unemployment through skills training underscores her influence, according to the magazine.