How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impacts Our Lives
I AM AFRICAN & I CAN is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 06/20/2025
Born and raised in the Gambia by a single mother, Fatoumata Danso from a young age was exposed to the “harsh realities of life” when her parents split. It forced her to mature and take responsibility for herself at the age of ten.
From junior high school, she oriented herself to become a gynecologist after realizing the lack of awareness girls and women in her community had about menstrual cycle, infections, and other female hygiene concerns. However, seven years plus four years of studies to become a gynecologist did not sit well with her. As she sought an alternative field of study, a friend of hers recommended computer science.
In 2022, without even knowing how to operate a computer, she enrolled at the University of the Gambia, which costs 38,000 Dalasi yearly (19,000 Dalasi per semester). After the first semester, she stopped attending because she could not afford tuition fees. Fatoumata views this rupture in her academic journey as a redirection rather than a setback. It’s “the way for Allah to guide me to the path He laid for me,” she expressed.
While developing her computer skills at Gomindz Academy, after class she stayed till 7 p.m. doing research because she did not have a computer of her own or access to the Internet at home. “I’m just a girl who refuses to be defined by her environment,” Fatoumata says. Through the Academy she learned basic computer and digital skills and secured other opportunities that did not require a degree. The 21-year-old now works as Head of AI Research at Gomindz Inc., the first and only data science and AI company in The Gambia, and where she started out as the first female employee to focus on AI.
Routinely at 4:30 a.m., she prays Tahajjud (night prayer), memorizes the Qur’an, reads books and articles until Fajr (early morning prayer), then heads to the office. Once at the office, she indulges in a good breakfast and coffee. As the Head of AI Research at Gomindz Inc., she reads, researches, documents, works on data engineering, pre-processing, and the cleaning of storage so data is readily available for analysis and for models to be used, and then wraps up work around 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.
“Artificial intelligence is intelligence that is not natural; a concept that is about having to mimic human beings…make machines think like human beings,” Fatoumata explains. “I’m glad that I transitioned. I find myself talking about AI wherever I go. They call me Baby AI, Lady AI.”
The student to teacher ratio in the Gambia public schools is at least 50 students to one teacher, Fatoumata points out. And because different students have different needs, it can sometimes be difficult to meet the needs of every student. That is where Artificial Intelligence can play a crucial role, as it can be used in schools to facilitate teaching and reduce the workload on educators, both in and outside the classroom.
While AI can facilitate many tasks, to preserve our critical thinking abilities, Fatoumata advises relying primarily on our own brains and secondarily on AI to support or complement the ideas our brains have already produced. “We should not be negligent about the negative side AI can have…as you consume be wary/conscious of your values,” says the AI Researcher. “We, need them for data. The systems improve, but [AI is] reducing our intelligence.”
Products are constantly being released in Africa, she says, and consumers are purchasing but are not equipped with adequate information about the applications they download and how to interact with AI. As AI has become intertwined with our lives, Fatoumata says an article she came across which warns that relying too much on AI can “affect cognitive reasoning” made her more cautious about how she consumes AI and is on a mission to educate others in the African continent. A recent article she penned goes in-depth about AI in Africa.
Fatoumata learned the importance of sharing knowledge and uplifting others through tutoring at Gomindz Academy. “It’s a feeling I get to treasure. I’m big on impact. Me tutoring means I am creating an impact in people’s lives,” she says. At Gomindz Academy, she tutors the foundation in digital technology, Internet, and data science.
“Data science is the backbone of AI, but most students don’t get the concept. You have to break it down to them in the simplest form,” Fatoumata says. She works full-time with Gomindz Inc. and on the side tutors high school graduates part-time.
The Gambian AI Researcher and data specialist says that because the nature and behavior of the data is programmed by the people it has been trained by, Muslims, too, must strive to be leaders in AI. This makes room for Islamic values to reflect in AI. “We’ve always been consumers instead of builders. We have to be in the loop. We have to be part of the system,” Fatoumata expressed.
Modou Jallow, a colleague of Fatoumatta, says: “we work together on several community projects. Fatoumata is a dedicated and inspiring individual. She consistently demonstrates a passion for uplifting others and is a true asset to our community. Her commitment to her work is remarkable, and she always strives to make a positive impact.”
When Fatoumata entered the world of Artificial Intelligence, she did not know anything about AI nor knew anyone locally she could look up to. As her passion for tutoring has grown, she hopes to continue being an educator and mentor for many who wish to follow in her footsteps, all the while continuing to expand her knowledge of quantum computing and everything AI.
Aiming to become an international public speaker, podcast host and the Candace Owens of Africa, Fatoumata’s success story teaches us that we’ll never know where our potential is if we don’t take risks. We can dive into fields we have little knowledge about and learn along the way. And when we experience roadblocks in our pursuits, instead of being discouraged, we can use that as an opportunity to switch routes and place ourselves in a lane that peaks our interests and best aligns with our potential.
Inside the Life of An AI Researcher and Educator
“I’m just a girl who refuses to be defined by her environment. Do not allow yourself to be defined by your environment!”
“As you are being tested, be patient, also work hard. No circumstance is constant. It will come to an end. Patience. Tawakkul. Pray and rely on Allah.”
“It’s a feeling I get to treasure. I’m big on impact. Me tutoring means I am creating an impact in people’s lives.”
“Success is less personal and more collective. For me, success is all about impact. If I can personally and professionally add to my skills and knowing that a child somewhere believes she will make it because I made it.”
“A strong woman knows her capabilities, and what she wants. Despite her career pursuits she is not ignorant of the fact that it’s important to procreate, nurture, and raise the future generation.”
Connect with Fatoumata:
LinkedIn: Fatoumatta Danso
X: Fatoumatta Danso (@Fan_of_AI)
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