Yossra Kallali is a legal researcher and policy expert from Tunisia, specializing in African Union Law, Policies, and Political-Legal Sciences. She holds two MSc. degrees—one in African Union Law and Policies and another in Political and Legal Sciences (Private Law) from the University of Carthage. With over eight years of experience, Yossra has built a strong record of accomplishment in youth and women empowerment, migration governance, and AI policy advocacy across Africa.
As a Senior Advocacy Officer at Niyel, Yossra is spearheading an Artificial Intelligence governance project, driving participatory approaches to AI policy development and advocating for the ethical adoption of AI, particularly in Francophone Africa. Her work contributes to shaping AI regulations that are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with Africa’s development goals.Yossra has played pivotal roles within international organizations, influencing policy development, program management, and advocacy efforts at national, regional, and continental levels. Notably, she contributed to key African Union initiatives, including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) African Youth-Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (AY-SRHR), and the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA). During her role at the GIZ African Union Office, she worked on policies that directly impact African youth, migration governance, and gender inclusion. She has also contributed to digital transformation strategies for women and girls in STEM and played a key role in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) women’s digital inclusion strategy by contributing to research, and analyses on critical socio-political issues.Yossra has extensive experience working with parliamentarians and legislative bodies, supporting them in policy formulation, legislative advocacy, and governance reforms. She has engaged with national and regional parliaments to advance policies on gender equality, and general law, ensuring stronger legislative frameworks for inclusive development. Beyond research and policy, Yossra has been at the forefront of youth-led advocacy campaigns and resource mobilization efforts, fostering sustainable development across the continent. She is a recognized leader in policy development and strategic partnerships, earning her a place in prestigious leadership networks, including the German-African Leadership Academy /African Women Experts Platform /France Experts Platform and the Young Policy Network on Migration, where she led a Spin-Off project on migration in the COVID-19 era in Africa.
Passionate about gender equality, human rights, and inclusive policymaking, Yossra remains committed to advancing social equity, shaping transformative policies, and driving impactful change across Africa.