Charting AI's Global Developments Since 2023: Progress, Challenges, and the Role of Black Women - 2025!

Since publishing my book, She Disrupts: A Black Woman's Journey in STEM and AI Industries, in October 2023, the pace of advancements in artificial intelligence has been remarkable. Across the globe—be it Africa, the US, the EU, or the UK—AI is reshaping industries, economies, and societal norms. But amidst this transformation, a question lingers: who is being left behind?

?As a thought leader in AI and diversity, I’ve been monitoring these developments, focusing on their impact on underrepresented groups, especially Black women. This article highlights key global advancements in AI since 2023, the opportunities they offer, and the challenges they pose for Black women. For a deeper dive into these insights and their implications, subscribe to the She Disrupts newsletter for exclusive content.

United States: Leading Innovation but Facing Equity Challenges

The US continues to dominate the AI landscape with unparalleled innovation from its private sector and advancements in legislation like the Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act of 2024. This act mandates transparency by requiring AI developers to disclose the copyrighted works used in training datasets. It’s a step forward in balancing intellectual property rights and innovation. However, this progress also highlights systemic inequities. Black women, already underrepresented in tech and creative industries, are at risk of being further marginalised. The legal and technical barriers to entry disproportionately affect those without access to resources or networks. As I noted in She Disrupts, the lack of representation in AI development exacerbates this divide, leaving Black women on the fringes of an industry poised to shape the future.

?Africa: Ambitious Plans, Lingering Gaps

Africa made headlines with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy launch in August 2024. This strategy aligns with Agenda 2063 and aims to position Africa as a global leader in AI by 2030, focusing on transforming sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. It also highlights the importance of cultural preservation and innovation within the creative industries. Yet, as my book underscores, Africa faces significant challenges: limited infrastructure, a fragmented policy landscape, and a persistent digital divide. While the strategy emphasises the need for inclusive innovation, the lack of robust copyright frameworks and investment in local AI startups hinders the continent’s ability to capitalise on its vast potential. For Black women in Africa, this means missed opportunities to lead in AI innovation, especially in sectors like cultural preservation and creative industries. Without urgent action to bridge these gaps, Africa risks being left behind in the global AI race.

?European Union: Ethical Leadership in a Complex Landscape

The EU has established itself as a leader in ethical AI governance with its groundbreaking AI Act. The EU sets a global standard for responsible AI development by prioritising transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. These efforts give me hope. The EU’s focus on diversity and ethical practices aligns with the themes in She Disrupts. However, despite these advancements, systemic barriers persist. Black women remain underrepresented in Europe’s tech and creative industries, limiting their ability to contribute to or benefit from these developments. For the EU to lead in inclusive AI, proactive measures are needed to address these inequities.

United Kingdom: A Critical Crossroads

The UK’s open consultation on copyright and AI reflects its dual strengths in creative industries and AI innovation. However, this process also underscores systemic exclusions. The latest Arts Council England report reveals that the creative industries remain predominantly white. Nationally, only 14% of the workforce in Arts Council-funded organisations are Black, Asian, or ethnically diverse, compared to 17% of the English working-age population. The disparity is even starker in London, where these groups comprise 46.2% of the working-age population but only 20% of the workforce in Arts Council-funded organisations.

This exclusion of marginalised voices raises serious concerns. As I emphasise in She Disrupts, equitable access to these discussions is critical for shaping policies that benefit everyone. Without representation, the UK risks crafting a copyright framework that caters to a select few while sidelining the groups that could drive innovation in AI and creative industries. For Black women, the stakes are exceptionally high. The lack of representation in these sectors limits access to opportunities and perpetuates systemic inequities. This consultation is a chance for the UK to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity—but only if it actively engages underrepresented voices.

Global Reflections: Africa, EU, US, and UK

The AI revolution offers immense potential, but its benefits are unevenly distributed. The US leads in innovation but struggles with inclusivity. Africa’s ambitious strategy is promising but requires urgent action to overcome infrastructure and policy gaps. The EU’s ethical leadership is a governance model but must address systemic inequities. At a critical juncture, the UK must ensure its copyright and AI policies are inclusive rather than exclusive.

As someone passionate about AI’s potential to empower, I see these developments as inspiring and urgent. The question isn’t just who is leading in AI—who is being left behind?

Here's my conclusion: Representation Is Key to AI’s Future

The future of AI hinges on inclusivity. Black women have the potential to be leaders in this space, but systemic barriers continue to hold us back. Whether through better policies, targeted initiatives, or community-driven solutions, we must ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.

If you’re as passionate about these issues as I am, subscribe to She Disrupts newsletter for exclusive insights and actionable steps. Together, we can shape a future where AI works for everyone.

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