An Ethical Data Discussion Series Webinar

Wednesday June 25, 2025. 10h00-11h30 UTC (11h00-12h30 London time).

Data power imbalances highlight the inequalities that exist in how data is owned, managed, and accessed. In today’s digital world, data has become a crucial resource that influences decision making in government, the private sector, and society. However, not everyone has the same level of control over their own data, leading to unfair consequences for some individuals and communities.

Large technology companies and institutions often dominate the data landscape, granting them significant power to establish rules and influence policies that impact people’s lives. This centralisation of power frequently overlooks the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly those from rural or underserved areas, who often lack adequate representation or support when it comes to data governance.

These power differences also relate to broader issues, such as privacy, consent, and surveillance. Those with less power often face greater scrutiny and risk of exploitation. To promote social justice, we must address these imbalances in data power, ensuring that everyone has equal access to the benefits of data while protecting their rights. By renewing the discussion around data rights and governance, we can work towards a digital environment that embraces inclusivity and ethical practices.

This panel event, Redefining Power: Data Equity and Its Role in Social Justice, is part of the Ethical Data Discussion Series, presented by the Association of African Universities, the University of Nottingham, and the Ethical Data Initiative. This discussion series serves as a platform for advancing ethical data practices and fostering critical dialogue within the African academic and research community. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, the initiative aims to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to navigate ethical challenges in data-driven research and decision-making.

In this discussion, specialists in business competition, data privacy, human rights, and social inequality will explore the possible societal impacts of digitisation from an African viewpoint. They will tackle critical questions relevant to societies and governments globally, with a focus on regional contexts. What actions are currently being taken on the continent to address these challenges? How can we draw lessons from past mistakes as well as previous efforts to resolve these issues?

Panelists

Cynthia Antwi is a Digital Technologies and Transformation Advisor with over 17 years of experience in providing innovative technology solutions and thought leadership to public sector organisations and NGOs. With a strong focus on digital service design, delivery, and strategy. Cynthia leads the delivery of a Common National Digital Architecture for the Government of Ghana, aimed at unlocking, enhancing and extending Ghana’s digital investments for effective digital service delivery.

Caroline Wanjiru Muchiri is a doctoral student at the University of Pretoria School of Law. Her research addresses the intersections of intellectual property, indigenous knowledge, agriculture, and law. Caroline is a member of the New and Emerging Researchers Group (NERG) within the Open Africa Innovation Research (Open AIR) Network. Professionally, she is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, specialising in commercial and corporate law, intellectual property, non-governmental organisations, charities, and international organisations in Kenya. Additionally, she serves as a legal adviser to several corporate institutions in Kenya and is a trainer, coach, and judge in various innovation and intellectual property competitions and hubs across the continent. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Laws from Moi University, a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property from the University of Nairobi, and an MBA in Strategic Management from Kenyatta University.

Her research interests include intellectual property and innovation in Africa; agriculture and the law; and gender and the law. She is an emerging philanthropist and an active member of Rotary International. 

Ridwan Oloyede is a Co-Founder of Tech Hive Advisory, where he currently leads the AI governance and technology policy teams. He advises on the global aspect of information technology policy, AI governance, data protection and privacy laws, digital health and ethics. He also advises on the rollout of new and disruptive technologies, data governance, surveillance and cybersecurity laws.

Moderator: Kathryn Bailey is a Professor of Research Governance Partnerships at the University of Exeter and also serves as Operations Director at the Ethical Data Initiative.