Is AI an existential threat for Africa? Risks and remedies

Background and Rationale

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming economies, governance, education and societies worldwide. For Africa, it presents significant opportunities to accelerate development, improve public services and stimulate innovation. However, it also raises strategic concerns about employment, inequality, data sovereignty, cybersecurity, democratic governance and technological dependency.

Africa risks becoming a consumer of AI technologies developed elsewhere, with limited control over the data, infrastructure, knowledge and economic value underpinning these systems. Without deliberate investments and effective governance, AI could reinforce existing inequalities and undermine the continent’s economic autonomy and cultural identity.

At the same time, strategic investment in African innovation, skills, infrastructure and regional cooperation could position AI as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

This webinar will examine whether AI constitutes an existential threat to Africa’s long-term development and sovereignty, identify the most pressing risks, and propose practical remedies.

Purpose and Objectives

The webinar aims to stimulate evidence-informed dialogue on the strategic implications of AI for Africa and identify priority actions for policymakers and other stakeholders.

Specifically, it will:

• Assess AI-related risks to Africa’s economic, political, social and technological future.
• Examine implications for employment, inequality, democracy, cultural identity and digital sovereignty.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI for African development and innovation.
• Propose policy, institutional and investment priorities for responsible AI adoption.
• Strengthen collaboration among governments, academia, industry and civil society.

Key Issues for Discussion

The webinar will focus on five priority areas:

1. Economic transformation and employment: Managing automation, job displacement, skills gaps and the distribution of AI-driven economic gains.
2. Digital sovereignty: Reducing technological dependency and strengthening African ownership of data, infrastructure, research and innovation.
3. Governance and human rights: Addressing misinformation, surveillance, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity and threats to democratic accountability.
4. Culture and knowledge systems: Protecting African languages, indigenous knowledge and cultural identity in AI development.
5. AI safety and sustainability: Managing emerging systemic risks while ensuring responsible and environmentally sustainable deployment.

Proposed Remedies

The discussion will identify actionable measures to:

• Develop effective, risk-based AI governance frameworks that protect human rights while enabling innovation.
• Invest in digital infrastructure, computing capacity, research and locally developed AI solutions.
• Strengthen data protection, digital sovereignty and fair technology partnerships.
• Integrate AI literacy and relevant digital skills into education and workforce development.
• Promote African-language technologies and responsible use of indigenous knowledge.
• Deepen continental cooperation on AI standards, safety and international governance.

Format and Target Audience

The proposed 90-minute online webinar will feature  a moderated panel discussion and audience engagement.

The target audience includes government officials, policymakers, regulators, researchers, technology entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, development partners, media practitioners and youth representatives.

Expected Outcomes

The webinar is expected to deliver:

• A clearer understanding of AI’s strategic risks and opportunities for Africa.
• Identification of priority policy and institutional gaps.
• Practical recommendations for strengthening African AI capacity, governance and digital sovereignty.
• Greater stakeholder collaboration on responsible AI development.
• A concise summary of recommendations to inform policy dialogue and follow-up action.

Conclusion

AI is neither inherently an existential threat to Africa nor a guaranteed pathway to prosperity. Its implications will depend on who controls the technology, how its benefits and risks are distributed, and whether African countries can shape its development and governance. The webinar will move beyond alarmism and uncritical optimism to identify strategic choices and practical remedies. Its central question is whether Africa can build the capacity, institutions and partnerships needed to ensure that AI advances its development priorities, protects its sovereignty and serves its people.