Niyel is an impact-driven advocacy and public affairs firm headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. The organization operates across Africa and engages globally to influence public policy and advance meaningful social change. Since its founding in 2008, Niyel has worked closely with civil society organizations, governments, and international partners to drive inclusive development and strengthen citizen participation in policymaking for responsible and ethical AI.
The organization actively advances participatory AI governance while calling for greater transparency and accountability in artificial intelligence systems. It consistently emphasizes that AI must respect human rights, safeguard marginalized voices, and reflect the social, cultural, and economic realities of local communities. To achieve this, Niyel convenes policy dialogues, conducts research, and facilitates multi-stakeholder engagement. Through these efforts, the organization works to shape an AI ecosystem that prioritizes equity, responsible innovation, and sustainable development across African societies.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the India AI Impact Expo 2026, Laetitia S. Delaunay Badolo, Director of Advocacy & Impact at Niyel, outlines the organization’s advocacy initiatives in the AI policy and governance landscape. She also discusses the activities Niyel is leading at the Africa AI Village. Furthermore, she shares her perspective on how artificial intelligence will reshape human life in the years ahead and delivers a powerful message about the significance of the India AI Impact Expo.
Here are the key insights from her thought-provoking conversation.
Q: What types of advocacies does Niyel provide in the AI policy and governance space?
A: My organization, Niyel, whose name means lightning in an African language, is an advocacy, campaign, and public affairs firm headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. Since 2008, we have worked across a broad spectrum of human rights issues with a clear mission: to inspire change, enable progress, and drive meaningful transformation.
While we do not position ourselves as technical AI experts, we bring a distinct and critical strength to the conversation. Specifically, we excel at engaging decision-makers and policymakers, mobilizing citizens, and shaping constructive public dialogue. Through this approach, we foster inclusive discussions around artificial intelligence and ensure that diverse voices inform emerging policy frameworks.
Consequently, our work helps build the enabling environment necessary for the responsible, ethical, and accountable use of artificial intelligence. By connecting stakeholders, amplifying public participation, and advancing rights-based advocacy, we support the development of artificial intelligence systems that serve society while safeguarding fundamental human values.
Q: What types of initiatives or activities are you currently leading or participating in at the Africa AI Village?
A: For us, the Africa AI Village serves as a platform to present our work from a different perspective. Unlike many participants, we do not position ourselves as technology developers. Therefore, we do not showcase technical prototypes, innovation tools, or hardware solutions. Instead, we bring a different kind of innovation, one rooted in policy engagement, governance processes, and institutional development.
At this forum, for example, we are highlighting a major initiative that we led in collaboration with five Francophone government ministries. Through this partnership, we facilitated a structured policy process that resulted in the development of practical guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence. These guidelines aim to help governments integrate AI while safeguarding transparency, accountability, and public trust.
In addition, we are presenting a creative public-engagement initiative titled “Ami and Abu.” This series features an intergenerational dialogue between a curious granddaughter who is deeply interested in AI and her wise grandfather. Through their conversations, the series breaks down complex ideas and makes AI easier to understand for broader audiences. More importantly, it encourages balanced thinking. Rather than framing the discussion as simply “yes to AI,” the series invites people to ask deeper questions: yes to artificial intelligence, but under what conditions? Or even better, yes to AI, and with what safeguards and responsibilities?
Q: How do you think AI will impact human life in the coming years?
A: We do not yet have a definitive answer to that question. However, one fact is clear: artificial intelligence will profoundly shape our societies and everyday lives. The real challenge, therefore, lies elsewhere. We must determine how to regulate innovation without stifling progress. At the same time, we must design stronger and more forward-looking public policies.
In other words, governments and institutions must learn how to absorb, manage, and integrate artificial effectively. The goal is not necessarily to make this transition easier because it will inevitably remain complex. Rather, the objective is to make it more responsible, more structured, and ultimately more effective for society.
Q: Are there any additional messages you would like to share about the India AI Impact Expo?
A: We are excited to witness the remarkable wave of innovation on display here. At the same time, we take pride in bringing advocacy to the forefront of events like this. While many participants showcase cutting-edge tools, technologies, and AI-powered systems, our contribution takes a different form.
We do not present machines or technical prototypes that demonstrate how artificial intelligence works. Instead, we bring something equally critical to the table: our knowledge, our experience, and the policy tools we have developed over years of advocacy work. Through these resources, we help shape informed conversations around artificial intelligence. More importantly, we use them to engage policymakers effectively and ensure that innovation advances alongside responsible governance.
