At the recent Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos, a call for stronger regulations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was prominently featured, underscoring the pressing issue of data sovereignty in Africa. Stakeholders, including industry experts and leaders, expressed concerns over the growing influence of foreign companies on Africa’s vast data reserves. They emphasized the potential risks associated with inadequate regulatory frameworks, which could lead to exploitation of citizens’ data without proper consent, thereby infringing on privacy rights and local laws. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, the need for a robust governance framework for AI across the continent becomes crucial to ensure the protection of African data and the rights of its people.
One of the key themes discussed was the concept of an “intelligence trap,” articulated by Ikem Isiekwena, Managing Director of Simmons Cooper Partners. He warned that the current reliance on AI models developed predominantly in the Global North may result in Africa’s growing dependence on foreign technologies that overlook the continent’s unique needs and contexts. The historical underrepresentation of African narratives in global data sets could inadvertently lead to a new form of colonialism. By allowing foreign data to dictate outcomes in Africa, the continent risks becoming a passive consumer rather than an active participant in shaping its technological future, thus undermining its sovereignty.
The regulatory landscape across African nations is fragmented, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive framework for AI governance. Observations from experts pointed to legal distinctions between countries, such as those following common law systems, like Nigeria and South Africa, versus the civil law systems in Francophone countries. This lack of uniformity creates hurdles in creating consistent regulations that can effectively govern AI across the continent. Bola Adesina, Director of Bola Adesina Consulting, emphasized the urgency of developing “legacy regulations” that would permit Africa to navigate the rapidly evolving AI environment without falling behind technologically.
Adesina further noted that AI’s evolution is not entirely novel, as it has historical roots spanning several decades. However, the acceleration in technological advancements—particularly through user-friendly platforms—has created an urgent need for regulatory frameworks to keep pace. She cited the protracted ratification of significant initiatives like the Malabo Convention on data protection, emphasizing that such delays could hinder Africa’s competitive edge in the rapidly globalizing tech world. With the borderless nature of AI, the establishment of strong protections is essential to ensure that Africa does not lag in harnessing the potential advantages of this transformative technology.
Echoing similar sentiments, Adeboye Adetoyese, Director of Maycode, reiterated the call for strengthened AI-related policies encompassing data protection, ethics, and human rights. He acknowledged that while AI is often viewed as a recent development, it is built on concepts that have existed for a considerable time, posing challenges that many governments across Africa are ill-equipped to handle. Adetoyese highlighted the continent’s unique potential to leverage AI for significant economic and social gains, but he stressed that these opportunities can only be realized with robust policies that are adaptive to the rapid changes in technology.
In response to these challenges, the African Union has recently approved the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aimed at promoting the adoption of AI across its member states, including Nigeria. This strategy, which seeks to harness AI’s transformative power for economic, social, and geopolitical advancements, marks a significant step toward aligning AI governance with Africa’s diverse needs. As highlighted during the AU’s Executive Council Session in Accra, Ghana, the strategy’s implementation will be pivotal for enabling public and private sectors to utilize AI responsibly while navigating the incumbent challenges. Ultimately, the urgency for coherent AI regulations in Africa is clear; without concerted efforts to reinforce these frameworks, the continent risks ceding control over its data and technological future to outside interests.
