A Data Commons for Food Security
Agricultural data is globally recognized for its importance in addressing food insecurity. We propose a ‘data commons’, formed through a licensing model that allows farmers to benefit from the datasets to which they contribute.
Traditional cultural expressions preservation and innovation: The Tonga Baskets of Zambia
By Charlene Musiza
The marketing of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) – which are manifestations of traditional culture such as handicrafts, sculptures and performances – presents...
AI and Gender in Africa
By: Nagla Rizk
AI and Gender in Africa The original version of this essay was written as a section in a paper titled “Integrating Africa...
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Southwest States of Nigeria
By Esther Adekunbi
Gender equality
is a very important issue in today’s world, while also a fraught debate. Gender
equality can be achieved when men and women...
Governance of Data and Data-driven Technology
Authored by: Nagla Rizk, Tobias Schonwetter
This Open AIR Working Paper 29 explores governance challenges pertaining to data and data-driven technology, with emphasis on the...
How NOT to Review a Research Paper: Reflections from Harvard Law...
By Jane Ezirigwe
In late January, I had the privilege to be selected as one of the scholars to be part of the Harvard Law...
A Framework for Assessing Technology Hubs in Africa
Authored by: Jeremy de Beer, Paula Millar, Jacquelene Mwangi, Victor Nzomo, and Isaac Rutenberg
Abstract: This article fills a gap in the research on technology hubs...
Open AIR Students Present at Carleton’s Institute of African Studies
Back in October 2016, three of our Open AIR Research Fellows had the unique and rewarding opportunity to participate in the Second Annual Institute of African Studies Undergraduate Research Conference at Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies. Undergraduate researchers from across the globe presented their research findings on a wide breadth of topics – from fiction describing Nigerian culture, to professional development for youth in South Africa, to political structures that influenced the welfare state in Tanzania and Kenya.
Open AIR NERG presents at Windsor Symposium on Copyright User Rights...
By Uchenna Ugwu
How can “user rights” and exceptions to copyright be used most effectively to ensure access to knowledge for all? This question is...
Maker spaces in developing countries: Sites of innovation despite simultaneous challenges
by Mohamed Hosny
In the past few years, there have been several initiatives to help entrepreneurs introduce new creative and innovative products that break from...













