African engineers advocate ethical AI to fight human trafficking, improve safety, and safeguard human rights across the continent

Engineers across Africa are urging the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence as the technology expands into areas affected by insecurity, forced labour, and human trafficking.

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Experts say AI can improve safety but warn it must not compromise human rights.

Nigerian software engineer Ayotunde Somoye, who has developed large commercial systems for millions of users, is now focusing on AI applications to tackle security threats and human trafficking.

“Behind every data point is a person, and that has to matter when we talk about security or human rights,” Somoye said.

He emphasised that AI should assist human investigators rather than replace them, helping detect risks while leaving final decisions to people.

In many parts of Africa, organised crime and insecurity often first appear as disrupted livelihoods, unsafe journeys, or individuals being drawn into exploitative work.

Law enforcement agencies and NGOs frequently rely on incomplete information, responding only after harm has occurred.

Somoye believes AI can help bridge that gap by spotting early warning signs, similar to systems used to detect financial fraud or cyber threats.

Human trafficking and modern slavery remain particularly challenging because victims are hidden in informal networks or complex supply chains.

Somoye’s research explores how AI can flag unusual patterns in employment or recruitment data while leaving final judgment to human investigators.

He has also examined how transparent digital systems can guide workers toward legitimate jobs, reducing the risk of exploitation before it begins.

Despite AI’s promise, Somoye cautions that poorly designed systems could harm the people they are meant to protect.

“If these systems are built without care, they can easily harm the very people they’re meant to protect,” he said, adding that ethics, privacy, and accountability must be central to design.

Beyond coding, Somoye mentors young engineers across Africa, encouraging them to consider not just what they can build, but why.

Several platforms he has advised now serve tens of thousands of users, demonstrating a shift in which African engineers are reshaping global technologies to fit local realities.

The push for ethical AI aligns with broader initiatives in Nigeria and internationally.

Google has committed N3bn to expand AI talent and digital safety, supporting programs that strengthen cybersecurity and embed advanced AI curricula in universities.

The Nigerian government is advancing its National AI Strategy, with draft legislation proposing mandatory registration and licensing for AI developers, risk-based classification, and ethical use requirements.

“Developments like these show that ethical AI is no longer optional,” Somoye said.

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“Technology can protect people, but only if it is designed, deployed, and governed responsibly.”