Exploring Digital Exclusion in Emerging Economies Through AI Policy Research

The Problem: AI policy discussions often exclude SMEs in low-data, low-connectivity contexts leading to tools and systems that are unusable, unaffordable and irrelevant at the local level.

The Work

Ethics Research & Policy Exploration
Led a short-form research initiative examining how AI models exclude smaller data environments. Explored bias in data access, model assumptions, and systemic exclusion.
Relevance to Education: Informs how student data, especially from underrepresented groups or institutions, may be misrepresented or overlooked in AI-powered education tools.

The Insight

Most “responsible AI” conversations are built around enterprise assumptions bandwidth, budget, data access. This project surfaced five key intervention points for shifting toward more inclusive AI ecosystems.

Why It Matters

This work is the backbone of my long-term research into AI inclusion, ethical system design, and global policy adaptation — and fuels the writing I now publish through my Substack.

Faith Ombewa is a digital policy strategist and AI research analyst working at the intersection of AI ethics, policy and global inclusion. Her work focuses on analyzing research behind the development of AI models and systems in order to build frameworks that support AI adoption, readiness and equitable access for SMEs and in underserved economies; grounded in real-world constraints, not Silicon Valley assumptions. She holds a Master’s in International Marketing Strategy from the University of Northampton (UK), a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi(Kenya), a professional certification in Business Analytics (Fortray Global Services, UK) and is currently completing a second Master’s in Artificial Intelligence laying the groundwork for a PhD in AI and Social Policy.

Tools Used

  • Google scholar
  • Notion
  • Canva (for visual brief)
  • Desk research sources

Skills Highlighted

  • Policy analysis
  • Research synthesis
  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Writing for policy audiences
  • Equity-centered design
  • Contextual system thinking
Faith Ombewa is a digital policy strategist and AI research analyst focused on the ethical governance of AI in education. Her work explores how policy, systems thinking and behavioral research can shape more equitable AI adoption in schools, universities and education ministries especially in contexts often overlooked by mainstream AI infrastructure.
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