Africa: Stakeholders Call for Stronger AI Regulations to Protect Africa’s Data Sovereignty

African stakeholders are urging governments across the continent to implement stricter regulations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to safeguard data sovereignty and prevent foreign exploitation of African citizens’ data. These calls for action were made during the Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos, where experts highlighted the risks posed by inadequate AI governance.

One of the key concerns raised was the growing reliance on foreign companies for AI technologies, which could lead to the exploitation of African data without proper consent, infringing on privacy rights and local laws. Panelists emphasized the urgent need for African nations to strengthen legal frameworks to ensure that AI serves the continent’s unique needs and interests.

Ikem Isiekwena, Managing Director of Simmons Cooper Partners, warned about the dangers of an “intelligence trap,” where AI models primarily trained on data from the global north fail to reflect African contexts. He explained that this underrepresentation of Africa in global AI datasets risks creating a new form of digital colonialism, where foreign data shapes decisions and outcomes in African societies.

“AI models are built on data from the global north, which makes Africa’s narratives and realities underrepresented. This leaves us vulnerable, as our local contexts and needs are not reflected in the AI tools we use. We must avoid becoming passive consumers of these technologies, which could undermine our sovereignty,” Isiekwena stated.

He also pointed out the challenges of implementing unified AI regulations across Africa due to legal system differences. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa operate under common law, while Francophone nations follow civil law systems. This fragmentation complicates efforts to create a harmonized AI regulatory framework.

Bola Adesina, Director of Bola Adesina Consulting, stressed that Africa’s regulatory systems are lagging behind the rapid advancements in AI technology. She urged the continent to establish “legacy regulations” to keep pace with AI’s fast evolution, warning that without swift action, Africa risks falling further behind in the global AI race.

“AI is not entirely new—it’s been around for decades. But the recent advancements in user interfaces, especially with platforms like OpenAI, have made it more accessible and applicable. What we expected to see in the next decade is happening now. Africa must act quickly to develop legal and ethical frameworks for AI, or we risk missing out on its benefits,” Adesina explained.

Adesina also highlighted Africa’s slow pace in adopting AI-related policies, pointing to the Malabo Convention—a data protection initiative by the African Union (AU)—which took over seven years to ratify. She cautioned that the same delays could hinder AI development and competitiveness across the continent.

“We cannot afford to move at the same slow pace as with the Malabo Convention. AI knows no borders, and without strong regulatory protections, we risk being left behind,” she said.

Adeboye Adetoyese, Director of Maycode, echoed these sentiments, calling on African governments to prioritize AI regulations in the areas of data protection, ethics, and human rights. He stressed that AI could significantly boost Africa’s economic and social development, but only if robust policies are in place to manage its risks.

The African Union recently approved the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide AI adoption across the continent. This strategy, which was endorsed by African ICT and Communications Ministers in June and adopted during the AU Executive Council’s 45th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana, aims to leverage AI to drive economic, social, and geopolitical change in Africa. It seeks to provide a framework for member states, including Nigeria, to responsibly integrate AI into both public and private sectors.

As AI continues to advance, stakeholders are pushing for immediate action to create comprehensive regulatory frameworks that not only protect Africa’s data but also ensure that the continent remains competitive in the global digital economy.