The United Nations has raised alarms over the growing influence of artificial intelligence in Africa, with a UN scientist warning that the technology is fuelling a new form of digital colonisation. The concern centres on how global tech giants are shaping Africa’s digital infrastructure, raising questions about data sovereignty and economic control. The warning comes as countries across the continent grapple with the rapid expansion of AI-driven systems in sectors like banking, agriculture, and governance.
UN Scientist Warns of Digital Colonisation
Dr. Amina Juma, a lead researcher at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, has described the rise of AI in the region as a “quiet but powerful form of digital colonisation.” She argues that African nations are increasingly dependent on foreign technology firms to build their digital ecosystems, often without adequate safeguards for data privacy or local control. “This is not about a single company or project,” Juma said. “It’s about the long-term shaping of Africa’s digital future by actors far removed from the continent’s needs and values.”
The issue is particularly acute in Kenya, where AI is being used to manage everything from traffic systems to financial services. A 2023 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics found that over 60% of digital infrastructure in the country is managed by foreign-owned firms. “We are building our future on platforms that are not designed with our people in mind,” said Dr. Juma. “This is a risk to our autonomy and our economy.”
Impact on Daily Life and Local Economy
For Kenyan citizens, the rise of AI-driven systems has brought both benefits and concerns. On one hand, AI-powered mobile banking apps have expanded financial inclusion, with over 80% of adults now using digital payment services. On the other, the reliance on foreign tech platforms has raised fears of data exploitation. “I use M-Pesa every day, but I don’t know who has access to my data,” said John Mwangi, a small business owner in Nairobi. “It’s convenient, but I’m not sure it’s safe.”
The local tech sector is also feeling the pressure. Startups that once aimed to build homegrown solutions now face stiff competition from global firms with deeper pockets and more advanced AI capabilities. “It’s hard to compete when the big players are setting the rules,” said Nia Mwangi, founder of a Nairobi-based fintech firm. “We’re not against AI, but we need to be part of the conversation.”
Community Response and Calls for Regulation
Communities across Kenya are beginning to push back. In Mombasa, a local coalition of tech workers and civil society groups has launched a campaign demanding greater transparency in AI deployment. “We need to know how our data is being used,” said Samwel Omondi, a community leader. “This isn’t just about technology — it’s about our rights.”
The Kenyan government has responded with a draft data protection bill, which includes provisions for AI accountability. However, critics argue that the legislation lacks enforcement mechanisms and fails to address the broader issue of digital dependency. “Regulation is important, but it’s not enough,” said Dr. Juma. “We need to invest in local AI research and ensure that African voices shape the future of technology.”
What to Watch Next
The debate over AI and digital sovereignty is expected to intensify in the coming months. Kenya’s parliament is set to review the draft data protection bill in August, with pressure from both local advocates and international stakeholders. Meanwhile, a regional summit on digital rights in Addis Ababa in September will bring together leaders from across East Africa to discuss the implications of AI on governance and economic development.
For now, the message from Dr. Juma and others is clear: Africa must take control of its digital future. “We can’t let the next chapter of our history be written by others,” she said. “It’s time for African nations to lead the conversation on AI.”
