Martha Omoekpen Alade is a 2018 Afrisig Fellow and a leading voice on inclusive AI and data governance across Africa. She is a 2024 Nature Award winner for Inspiring Women in Science, Winner of AWIEF Award(2022) and TIAW (2022), Booking.com TechPlay maker Award(2019), and a recipient of ITU recognitions including the WSIS Championship(2022 for WITIN), Girls in ICT(2012) and Tech Needs Girls (2013) Awards. She was recognized by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and has received two national honors from Presidents Obasanjo (2005) and Buhari(2022) for her groundbreaking ICT4D work in marginalized communities. She also recieved a state Award in 2002 by the Anambra State Governor, after she led her first team of girls to a National ICT Competition and Bootcamp hosted in Aso Rock as well as for her early efforts in empowering teachers and girls underserved communities in Anambra state. Her work is featured at the European Parliament and the White House.
With over 23 years of experience in ICT for Development, AI in education, and digital inclusion, Martha has led initiatives on ethical AI adoption and co-developed national and international regulatory frameworks for AI and data governance. She has personally trained thousands of women, youths and researchers in digital skills, AI and data governance across five African countries, and is a regular speaker at global forums including WSIS. As a technocrat, she also brings three years of paralegal experience, further enriching her interdisciplinary approach to technology and policy. Martha also served as a gender and AI consultant to the Federal Government
She is deeply committed to fostering ethical and inclusive AI ecosystems that empower underrepresented communities and promote sustainable development. Martha actively participates in Internet Society (ISOC) and ICANN initiatives. She serves as a member of the Nigeria IGF MAG and contributed as a Volunteer Expert to the development of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy (NAIP) under NITDA.
Martha holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, as well as dual Master's degrees—one in Information Technology and the other in Research and Public Policy—both from the University of Lagos. Her current research evaluates AI-powered STEM learning systems in underserved Nigerian communities, with a focus on data quality, privacy, and governance.
