Stakeholders have called on African governments to adopt stronger regulations concerning Artificial Intelligence to protect the continent’s data sovereignty. There is growing concern about the potential loss of control over Africa’s data to foreign corporations, which could lead to the exploitation of citizens’ information without proper consent. Such actions may violate privacy rights and local laws, raising alarms among various advocacy groups.
These issues were prominently discussed during the Nigeria Fintech Week held in Lagos on Thursday. Experts at the event emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive AI governance across Africa. They highlighted that without adequate regulations, the continent risks being at the mercy of foreign entities that may not prioritize local interests.
During a panel discussion, Ikem Isiekwena, the Managing Director of Simmons Cooper Partners, warned about what he termed an “intelligence trap.” He explained that many AI models are primarily trained on data sourced from the global north, which could result in Africa becoming overly dependent on foreign technologies that do not cater to its unique requirements.
Isiekwena cautioned that this reliance on foreign data could lead to a new form of colonialism, where external narratives and contexts dominate decision-making processes in Africa. He pointed out that when African stories and contexts are absent from the data driving AI, the continent risks being marginalized in its own technological landscape.
He further argued that this “intelligence trap” poses a significant threat to Africa’s sovereignty. Without sufficient local data to inform AI models, the continent may end up with tools and systems that fail to address its specific needs and challenges. This situation could hinder Africa’s ability to innovate and develop its own technological solutions.
On the regulatory front, Isiekwena noted the existing fragmentation in legal frameworks across African nations. He highlighted the differences between countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, which follow common law systems, and Francophone nations that adhere to civil law systems. These disparities complicate efforts to establish a cohesive regulatory framework for AI across the continent.
Bola Adesina, the Director of Bola Adesina Consulting, echoed these sentiments, stating that Africa’s regulatory framework is falling behind the rapid advancements in AI technology. He urged the continent to take immediate action to develop regulations that can keep pace with technological progress.
Adesina emphasized that without appropriate regulations, Africa risks becoming a passive consumer of foreign AI technologies that may not align with its developmental goals. He called for a concerted effort among African nations to collaborate and create a unified approach to AI governance.
The discussions at Nigeria Fintech Week highlighted the critical need for African governments to prioritize the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks. By doing so, they can ensure that the continent harnesses the potential of AI while safeguarding its data sovereignty and protecting the rights of its citizens.
In conclusion, stakeholders are advocating for urgent action to address these challenges. Strengthening regulations on AI will not only protect Africa’s data but also empower the continent to develop its own technological solutions that reflect its unique contexts and narratives.
