Abdulhakeem Ibraheem Abdulkareem: Innovating CSR with Community-Centred Technology Solutions
Abdulhakeem Ibraheem Abdulkareem, a Master of Public Policy student and an AIG Scholar, is a seasoned technology policy specialist with over eight years of experience in digital transformation and sustainable development. Previously serving as Special Assistant on ICT to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria, Abdulhakeem led initiatives like establishing the Directorate of ICT and the Kaduna Start-up Bill, fostering innovation within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. His journey includes contributions to the UNDP’s Chief Digital Office, where he helped develop Sub-Saharan Africa’s first AI Hub for Sustainable Development, a strategy showcased at the 2024 UN General Assembly.
“The Lab’s focus on bridging academia with real-world impact through partnerships was a major draw for me,” he shares. The experience, enriched by advanced masterclasses and interdisciplinary networking, exceeded his initial expectations, offering a platform to refine his expertise in sustainable technology and policy.
Initially concerned about balancing his academic load with the Lab’s masterclasses, Abdulhakeem found the sessions engaging and manageable. “The interactive format allowed for deep learning and meaningful discussions with colleagues on diverse topics,” he recalls. Through his fellowship at the BMW Group MINI Plant Oxford, he worked on the CSR strategy for the local Blackbird Leys community, uncovering a disconnect between the plant and its surrounding residents. “Hearing directly from the community about their needs was eye-opening,” he reflects, emphasising the importance of community input in shaping impactful corporate initiatives.
Abdulhakeem’s contributions to BMW Group’s CSR strategy built upon the work of previous fellows, underscoring the value of an iterative, collaborative approach. “Innovation is an ongoing journey,” he notes, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and teamwork in creating meaningful change.
“Working with industry partners like BMW Group MINI Plant Oxford illustrated how sustainable partnerships can address pressing issues, leveraging diverse insights to drive impactful strategies,” he observes. His time at the Lab also deepened his understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating how collective action can turn these global ambitions into achievable outcomes through industry-community partnerships.
“Engaging with communities, collaborating with staff, and seeing our report valued and poised to enhance CSR efforts was deeply fulfilling,” he says. This hands-on experience, facilitated by the SDG Impact Lab, reinforced his commitment to leveraging data and technology for societal benefit.
Inspired by his time at the Lab, Abdulhakeem plans to adopt a more thoughtful, data-driven approach in his work. “This experience taught me the importance of critically understanding data before proposing solutions,” he explains. Going forward, he aims to ensure that his decisions are grounded not just in numbers but in a nuanced understanding of underlying issues.
