About Me - Maha Jouini

About Maha

Maha Jouini is the Vice President of the Agence Francophone et Africaine de l’Intelligence Artificielle (AFRIA), based in Senegal. With a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and New Technology from Tianjin University of Education and Technology (China), she is an accomplished author, speaker, and analyst specializing in AI policies and the future of work in Africa. Maha has published numerous research articles and analyses on the intersection of AI and economic development in Africa. She is a Fellow Researcher at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) and served as the African Regional Coordinator for the Global Responsible AI Hackathon 2023, launched by the Women in AI Ethics Initiative.

In her publications and speaking engagements, Maha emphasizes the transformative impact of technology on Africa’s economy, advocating for AI as a tool to foster women’s and youth inclusion. Her leadership extends to advocating for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the free movement of people across Africa, conducting campaigns and training sessions aimed at empowering African youth.

Maha’s professional journey includes her tenure as a Media Assistant for the African Union Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa (2015-2017). In 2018, Maghreb Voices named her “Personality of the Year” following the success of her book “Lover from Ifrikeya.”

Recognized as a trailblazer, Maha was named among the Top 20 Women Change Makers in MENA (2022) by UNESCO and The Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship. This honor reflects her dedication to women’s digital rights, economic inclusion, and her distinction in advancing artificial intelligence in North Africa.

Through her work, Maha continues to champion AI as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.