Sharon Besiwa Essilfie
Researcher - Global Center on AI Governance
Sharon is a technology policy researcher with a focus in AI governance and digital policy. Her work lies at the intersection of law, technology, and policy. She is currently a Researcher at the Global Centre on AI Governance, where she contributes to research on responsible AI and emerging technology governance.
She previously contributed to the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), conducting research across multiple African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Botswana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with a focus on responsible national AI governance ecosystems. She is also a Research Associate at the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation.
With over six years of experience in product design, including her previous role at Hubtel, a leading fintech company in Ghana, Sharon brings a technical perspective to technology policy. Her work is centered in an understanding of how digital products are built, deployed, and experienced in real-world contexts, enabling her to bridge the gap between policy design and technological implementation.
Her research interests include AI governance, data protection, and digital policy in the Global South, with a focus on advancing ethical, inclusive, and accountable technology systems.
Sharon holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Master of Laws in Information Technology Law (LL.M IT Law), both from the University of Ghana, School of Law. She has also supported initiatives such as Innovate Ghana, mentoring and nurturing emerging African talent.
Outside her professional work, she enjoys reading, travelling, and exploring new cultures and food.
Areas of Focus
- AI Governance & Responsible AI Policy
- Digital Policy in the Global South
- Technology Law & Data Protection