By Okhumeode Momodu

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) advances, with emphasis on big data-driven learning, human-machine collaboration, and autonomous systems, Harvard trained lawyer and tech expert, Blessing Udo argues that Africa, often a net consumer of foreign technologies, faces unique vulnerabilities to embedded risks.

Udo therefore, advised on the need for African governments to invest in human capital, establish regulatory sandboxes, and promote regional interoperability to ensure that AI systems evolve in ways that align with African values and advance inclusive growth. Speaking on the evolution of AI from African perspective, Udo advocated for context-aware governance frameworks and risk-tiered regulatory models that reflect Africa’s socioeconomic conditions while strengthening accountability for foreign and domestic technology providers. To her, she strongly believes that African countries must adopt bespoke regulatory approaches tailored to their unique socioeconomic contexts.

“Over the years, Udo’s contributions extend beyond analysis into practical impact. Through her research, advocacy, and collaborations with policy networks, she works to shape legal and regulatory systems that make technology more ethical, transparent, and globally responsive. She also plays an active role in international policy debates and currently serves as a researcher with the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), where she contributes to comparative assessments of transatlantic AI governance and the development of adaptable, principle-based legal frameworks that strengthen U.S. leadership in responsible AI governance.

Her work positions her as a leading voice among a new generation of scholars and practitioners shaping how governments, institutions, and societies navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and technology policy. According to Udo, European Union’s AI Act prioritizes human-centric, trustworthy AI with robust protections for health, safety, and fundamental rights through uniform rules across the bloc.

The United States, by contrast, maintains a decentralized, market-driven approach grounded in existing regulatory authorities and voluntary commitments, with agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) addressing AI-related risks under their existing mandates”. China pursues innovation alongside state oversight, as reflected in the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, which outlines China’s ambition to become a global leader in AI by 2030”, Udo added.

Meanwhile, Blessing Udo is a Nigerian qualified lawyer and data privacy and AI governance specialist whose work is shaping the technology policy landscape in Africa and contributing to emerging global governance conversations. “With a focus on artificial intelligence, data protection, and responsible innovation, she combines legal expertise with policy insight to advance ethical and inclusive approaches to emerging technologies.

“She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Harvard Law School, where her research centered on the evolving relationship between autonomous AI systems and modern regulatory frameworks. “Throughout her career, Blessing has conducted comparative analyses of AI governance strategies across several jurisdictions, offering insights that bridge global policy models with local realities.

Momodu writes from Lagos.