Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping economies, industries, and societies worldwide. In Africa, its transformative potential is evident, with applications spanning agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and governance. However, as the continent embraces this digital revolution, a critical question arises: Is AI a catalyst for African growth, or does it represent a new form of colonialism?
Senegalese expert Seydina Moussa Ndiaye warns of a new “colonisation” of the continent if foreign companies continue to extract African data without involving local stakeholders. Ndiaye emphasises, “The biggest threat for me is colonisation. We may end up with large multinationals imposing their AI solutions across the continent, leaving no room for local innovation.”
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The Rise of AI in Africa
AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality. The African AI ecosystem is expanding, with tech hubs proliferating across the continent. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have seen the rise of AI-powered startups focused on fintech, agritech, and health tech. The African AI market is projected to reach $2 billion by the end of 2025, with growing investments from both the public and private sectors. Experts argue that for every $1 invested in Sub-Saharan Africa’s digital economy, $2 in economic value could be generated by 2030.
AI-driven initiatives in agriculture, such as South Africa’s Aerobotics and Kenya’s Twiga Foods, are enhancing productivity and addressing food security challenges. In healthcare, AI applications like Zipline’s drone-delivered medical supplies in Rwanda have revolutionised access to essential medicines. These advancements highlight AI’s immense potential to tackle pressing African challenges.
Who Owns the Data Owns the Future
Data is the new oil, and Africa is a vast reservoir. However, much like the colonial era, where raw materials were extracted with little return, Africa’s data is being harvested—often without local ownership or control. Global tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta, have heavily invested in AI research and infrastructure across Africa. While this has spurred technological advancement, it raises serious concerns about data sovereignty.
According to the African Union, over 80% of African data is stored outside the continent, primarily in Europe and North America. A report by the Africa Data Centres Association and Xalam Analytics estimates that Africa requires between 1.4 and 3.5 million square metres of data centre space to meet its needs. This dependency not only restricts local innovation but also subjects African nations to foreign regulatory frameworks. Senegalese AI expert Mouhamadou Diagne warns that Africa risks becoming a “digital colony” where the value generated from its data does not benefit its people.
AI in Africa: A Tool for Growth or a New Form of Colonialism?
Despite these concerns, AI holds great promise for economic development. The World Bank estimates that AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with Africa positioned to gain significantly if it harnesses the technology effectively. AI-driven automation can enhance efficiency in industries such as manufacturing and logistics, creating new economic opportunities.
In Ghana, mPedigree is leveraging AI to combat counterfeit pharmaceuticals, saving lives and boosting consumer confidence in local markets. In Ethiopia, AI is being utilised in tax administration to reduce fraud and improve revenue collection. These cases illustrate how AI, when strategically integrated, can serve as a catalyst for growth.
The term “digital colonialism” has gained traction among African intellectuals and policymakers, who argue that the current AI ecosystem mirrors historical colonial patterns. Foreign AI models trained on Western datasets often fail to capture the linguistic and cultural nuances of Africa, leading to biased algorithms that reinforce existing inequalities.
A study by the Mozilla Foundation found that 60% of African AI developers rely on Western-built models, limiting local agency in AI development. Furthermore, the infrastructure supporting AI—such as cloud computing and high-performance servers—remains predominantly owned by Western corporations, deepening technological dependence.
Africa’s Path to Digital Sovereignty
For Africa to fully benefit from AI, strategic actions must be taken:
Investment in Local Talent
African governments must prioritise AI education and research, ensuring that universities and institutions develop homegrown solutions. Rwanda’s AI policy, which integrates AI into its national education system, serves as a model for other nations.
Strengthening Data Governance
The African Union’s Data Policy Framework advocates for regional data centres and stricter data localisation laws to prevent external exploitation. Keeping data within the continent will allow Africa to retain economic value and control over its digital assets.
Fostering Intra-African Collaboration
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to build a unified AI strategy that prioritises African interests. Investing in indigenous AI startups and establishing Pan-African AI research hubs can help shift the continent from being a consumer of AI to a leader in AI innovation.
AI as a Partner, Not a Master
AI, like fire, can be either a tool for progress or a force of destruction—its impact depends on who controls it. While AI has the potential to drive African development, without deliberate policies and strategies, the continent risks digital colonisation by foreign interests.
As AI continues to evolve, Africa must ensure that it is not merely a testing ground for global tech giants but an active player in shaping the future of AI. By prioritising data sovereignty, investing in local talent, and fostering intra-continental collaboration, Africa can transform AI into a tool for empowerment rather than a new form of colonialism.
As the African proverb goes, the lion must learn to write its own story, or risk being forever hunted by narratives not its own.
