Establishment & Mandate
About Spës Institute for Humanity and AI
A research institute exploring the relationship between artificial intelligence, humanity, ethics, governance, and society.
Who We Are
Building a Human-Centered Foundation
Spës Institute for Humanity and AI was established in response to the accelerating development of artificial intelligence and the urgent need for rigorous, principled inquiry into its implications for human life, society, and governance. We are an independent research institute dedicated to ethical, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged AI research.
As an interdisciplinary platform, SPES brings together scholars from philosophy, computer science, ethics, sociology, psychology, policy, and civil society. We explore questions of intelligence, consciousness, morality, human flourishing, accountability, and the societal impact of AI, grounding our work in both rigorous research and real world relevance.
Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and working across Africa, Europe, and beyond, SPES occupies a distinctive position: an African led AI research institute contributing to global conversations on ethics, governance, and human-centred technology.
Our Mission
To advance ethical discourse, interdisciplinary research, and global collaboration in artificial intelligence by exploring the philosophical dimensions of AI, promoting responsible innovation, and empowering communities to shape a future where AI enhances human flourishing.
Our Vision
A future where artificial intelligence serves humanity through ethical principles, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and public accountability.
Core Values
What guides us
Ethical Integrity
We hold ourselves and our research to the highest standards of honesty, rigour, and moral responsibility. Every analysis, output, and recommendation is grounded in ethical principle.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
AI cannot be understood or governed from a single discipline. We actively bridge philosophy, science, policy, law, and social inquiry to produce richer, more complete understanding.
Cultural Sensitivity
We recognise that AI interacts with societies that are diverse in culture, language, history, and values. Our research reflects and respects this diversity.
Innovation and Excellence
We pursue original, rigorous research that pushes boundaries and contributes meaningfully to global knowledge maintaining the highest academic and professional standards.
Public Engagement
Knowledge must be accessible. We communicate our research clearly, engage communities and civil society, and ensure our work reaches and benefits broader publics.
Strategic Frameworks
We work systematically, using evidence-based strategic frameworks to translate research into actionable guidance for policymakers, institutions, and organisations.
Strategic Frameworks
How we work
Ethical AI Framework
We apply a structured ethical framework to all AI analysis, examining issues of fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy, and harm. This framework informs our research outputs and policy recommendations.
Human-Centered AI Framework
Our research consistently centres human dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing. We evaluate AI systems not only by their technical performance but by their impact on people, particularly the most vulnerable.
AI Governance and Accountability
We produce evidence-based governance frameworks that help governments, institutions, and organisations understand, regulate, and be accountable for AI systems deployed in public and private contexts.
Education and Public Engagement
We believe that AI literacy is a public good. Through our programmes, workshops, lectures, and open publications, we invest in the capacity of communities, students, and practitioners to engage meaningfully with AI.
Global Research Collaboration
We partner with universities, research institutes, civil society organisations, and international bodies to conduct joint research, share knowledge, and amplify the impact of ethical AI inquiry across borders.
Objectives
What we aim to achieve
Research
Conduct and publish rigorous interdisciplinary research on the ethics, philosophy, and societal dimensions of AI.
Education
Develop and deliver programmes that build AI literacy and ethical reasoning among researchers, students, and practitioners.
Policy Dialogue
Engage with governments and international bodies to inform AI policy with evidence-based, human-centred perspectives.
Public Engagement
Make AI ethics research accessible to broader publics, communities, and civil society through open publications and events.
International Collaboration
Build a global network of partner institutions, researchers, and organisations committed to responsible AI.
Ethical AI Literacy
Equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and tools to critically evaluate AI systems and their impacts.
Youth and Civic Governance
Empower young people to participate meaningfully in AI governance through civic education, tools, and advocacy.
Our Team
The people behind SPES
Tamrat S.Belachew
Founder and Director
SPES Institute
Dr.Bekany Getachew
Digital Health Managing Director
SPES Institute