About AIxBio Africa
A research and capacity-building organization strengthening African participation in AI safety and biosecurity.
Why we exist
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to biological research, public health, scientific capability, and biosecurity. Yet the people, institutions, languages, and realities of African countries remain underrepresented in many of the global conversations shaping these technologies and their risks.
AIxBio Africa was created to help close that gap by building stronger pathways for African students, researchers, and practitioners to learn, conduct research, engage with experts, and contribute to the evidence and governance shaping AI and biosecurity.
This work is locally grounded but globally relevant. Safer AI systems, stronger biosecurity institutions, and better evidence in African contexts contribute to wider scientific and global health security.
What we are building
AIxBio Africa is building a research-to-capacity ecosystem that connects four areas of work: research, fellowships, courses, and expert-led webinars.
Our first research fellowship has given us a working proof of concept for supporting emerging researchers through mentorship, structured feedback, and independent projects. We are building on that foundation with courses, public learning sessions, research outputs, and partnerships that can expand the pathway into the field.
Our long-term aim is to strengthen the community, evidence base, and institutional capacity needed for African researchers and organizations to contribute meaningfully to AI safety and biosecurity.
Four connected pillars
Research
Producing and supporting rigorous, Africa-relevant work across AI safety, biosecurity, health, evaluation, and governance.
Fellowships
Supporting emerging researchers to develop independent projects through mentorship, feedback, and structured research experience.
Courses
Building accessible foundational knowledge and practical judgement for people entering AI and biosecurity.
Webinars
Bringing researchers, practitioners, and our community together for expert-led discussion and learning.
Our goal is to strengthen African research capacity so more researchers, students, and practitioners can contribute meaningfully to AI safety and biosecurity.
About the Founder
Fatika Umar Ibrahim
Fatika Umar Ibrahim is an independent AI safety researcher and Founder of AIxBio Africa, with a background in veterinary medicine and ongoing clinical training towards a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
His research interests sit at the intersection of AI safety and biosecurity, including the evaluation of AI biosecurity safeguards in African and multilingual contexts.
He founded AIxBio Africa to strengthen African participation and research capacity in AI safety and biosecurity, create credible pathways into these fields, and support work grounded in the realities and priorities of the continent.