The DSR Network Siliconsciousness: AI and Government: The Success Stories You Need to Hear About
Nov 24, 2025
Robyn Scott, co-founder of Apolitical and entrepreneur focused on governance, shares insights on AI's transformative potential in the Global South. She highlights how countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia are using local AI solutions to enhance healthcare and streamline government processes. The discussion includes the trust gap in AI across cultures, local success stories from Ukraine and the UAE, and the importance of data sovereignty. Robyn emphasizes the need for public servants to gain confidence in AI leadership to harness its full potential.
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Less Legacy Data Can Be An Advantage
- Infrastructure challenges like energy and compute remain real constraints for many governments.
- Scott notes that building data infrastructure from scratch can paradoxically let poorer countries reach good data faster.
Data Sovereignty Is Resource‑Dependent
- Data sovereignty is a central concern but enforcing it depends on government resources.
- Scott warns converting data resources into national assets requires spending and expertise many lack.
Leadership Confidence Lags Implementers
- A widening gap exists: about 45% of leaders feel confident with AI versus ~70% of implementers.
- Scott attributes this to leaders' lower tech use and reluctance to ask questions that make them look uninformed.
