Independent Board
WAAII operates under an independent board with representation from across the 15 countries of West Africa, academia, civil society, and the private sector — safeguarding neutrality and regional balance.
Governance
How WAAII is governed
WAAII’s credibility depends on neutrality and independence. Its governance is structured so that it can convene governments, institutions, funders, and partners as a trusted, non-partisan platform for responsible AI.
Structure
An independent, accountable institution
Executive Leadership
Day-to-day operations are led by an Executive Director, supported by programme leads for each strategic pillar who are accountable for delivery and quality.
Advisory Network
A multi-disciplinary advisory network spans sovereignty, regional bodies, universities, development organisations, industry, and security and governance experts.
Principles
What protects WAAII’s neutrality
A small set of governing principles keeps WAAII trusted by every stakeholder it serves — from governments and funders to communities and delivery partners.
Independence
No single funder represents more than 30% of annual revenue, preserving institutional independence and impartiality.
Evidence before advocacy
WAAII generates evidence first, then advocates. Recommendations are grounded in data, not ideology.
Sovereignty by design
Every programme, dataset, and recommendation is designed to strengthen — not erode — national and regional sovereignty.
Coordination, not control
WAAII enables rather than dominates: it coordinates, sets standards, and supports — it does not replace national programmes or compete with delivery partners.
Leadership & accountability
Who runs it, and how it answers.
Leadership & secretariat
A lean coordinating secretariat, accountable to independent governance. Names & roles coming soon
Accountability
WAAII reports transparently to its board and partners, and publishes what it learns.
Registration
A registered, non-commercial platform operating as a regional public good.