As African governments rush to develop artificial intelligence strategies, a critical question emerges: who will control the infrastructure that underpins these technologies? The African Union's recent gathering in Morocco highlighted the need for local capacity and reduced dependence on foreign technology providers. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana have released national AI strategies emphasizing sovereign capability and reduced reliance on external providers. However, translating ambition into policy has proven challenging, as seen in South Africa's withdrawn draft national AI policy. The global competition for AI dominance has created an opportunity for African countries to negotiate better terms, according to Priyal Singh, a geopolitical analyst. Africa's significant infrastructure gap, with less than 1% of global data center capacity, limits its leverage. The proposed $1bn data center development in Kenya, involving Microsoft and G42, has sparked debates over energy demands, commercial arrangements, and long-term commitments. Sanusha Naidu, a senior research fellow, notes that debates about diversification are complex, and policymakers must weigh the broader developmental impact of investments. Concerns about dependence, data governance, and digital sovereignty are growing, with many arguing that Africa should establish its own credit rating agency and digital infrastructure. The discussion remains concentrated among policymakers, regulators, and technology companies, with everyday citizens often left out. As Joseph Asunka, chief executive of Afrobarometer, notes, citizens' trust is crucial for the adoption of fintech, e-commerce, and e-government tools. The question facing policymakers is no longer whether Africa will use AI, but on what terms. Decisions made now will shape who controls the technologies that influence economies, public services, and everyday life.

Source: Al Jazeera