This blog is a collaborative effort between the APET-CJED secretariat and Dr Scott Timcke, Senior Research Associate, Research ICT Africa. It is the 10th post in a blog series to be published in 2024 by the APET Secretariat on behalf of the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET).

Africa faced a challenging journey towards establishing stable democracies, drawing on its rich diversity, culture, and history. Elections are fundamental to democracy, empowering people to choose their leaders and influence government policies. Despite ongoing challenges, African Union (AU) Member States have made significant strides in recent decades, improving their electoral processes, and upholding democratic principles. A notable development is the increasing participation of Africans participating in elections, demonstrating increased public engagement in political affairs. For example, the 2020 presidential election in Ghana saw a remarkable voter turnout, with over 79% of eligible voters casting their ballots.[1]

Africa’s evolving democracies are experiencing a significant increase in participation, reflecting significant progress in critical domains. This includes the establishment of independent electoral commissions to ensure fairness and transparency, intensified voter registration initiatives to enhance citizen engagement, and adoption of reliable vote counting and verification methods to combat electoral malpractice. Furthermore, there is a commendable commitment to upholding democratic principles, encompassing respect for the rule of law, protection of human rights, and leadership accountability, fostering a culture of democratic governance. Increased voter participation signals deeper member state ownership, collaborative planning, and citizen engagement, emphasising a collective commitment to Africa’s transformation.[2]

Heightened engagement with AU voting frameworks, such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) and African Union Election Observation Missions (AUEOMs), reflects a growing embrace of democratic norms, peer review, and accountability mechanisms, strengthening democratic institutions across the continent. Technological advancements, including biometric voter registration[3] and computerised voting mechanisms, serve as crucial safeguards against electoral fraud, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.[4] Leveraging biometric data ensures more accurate voter rolls, while computerised voting systems streamline ballot casting, fostering greater trust and confidence in the electoral process among citizens.

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds both promise and peril for democracy and human rights in Africa, as recognised by the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET). On one hand, AI has the potential to enhance democracy and human rights by promoting transparency and accountability. Platforms like “Ushahidi” in Kenya and “Afriwitness” in South Africa use AI to monitor elections and document human rights abuses.[5] Additionally, AI can facilitate citizen participation, as seen with initiatives like “M-Pesa” in Kenya and the “I Vote” app in Ghana, which empowers citizens through financial inclusion and provides election information to reduce disenfranchisement.[6] Moreover, AI strengthens governance by platforms like “Zindi” in Zimbabwe[7], enabling governments to analyse data for better policy formulation, and Rwanda’s exploration of AI-powered chatbots to improve access to government services.

However, AI also poses risks to democracy and human rights, including surveillance and suppression through facial recognition technology, algorithmic bias perpetuating discrimination, erosion of privacy due to inadequate data protection, and colonial-capitalist development exacerbating inequalities. To navigate this double-edged sword, responsible AI development prioritising human rights and democratic values is essential. Therefore, investment in digital literacy programmes and open discussions among policymakers, researchers, and civil society are critical to shaping a future where AI strengthens African democracies and empowers citizens.

In essence, democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Key principles include freedom of expression, consciousness, assembly, and free and fair elections, allowing universal suffrage. The modern understanding of democracy evolved during industrialisation, with further development in public administration and the welfare state following the Great Depression. Decolonisation movements also sought liberation, enfranchisement, representation, and self-rule, led by active participation from Africa’s various stakeholders. While some embraced democracy, others focused on economic self-determination or alternative frameworks for liberation. Despite varied responses, generations of Africans have strived for democratic representation, establishing institutions, advocating for equality before the law, and promoting free and fair elections. With this history in mind, Africa must ensure that AI does not jeopardise these hard-won political gains.

Mineral, metal, and data extractivism

Africa is rich in minerals and metals crucial for manufacturing AI systems, such as cobalt, tantalum, and gold. However, mining practices in the region have frequently led to resource exploitation without sustainable benefits for local communities. Irresponsible mining can also cause ecological devastation, adversely affecting the quality of life for nearby communities. Despite these challenges, African governments have substantial leverage in promoting responsible mineral sourcing, which is essential for ethical AI development, both within Africa and globally.

Concerns about rampant extractivism extend to the digital realm, with concerns about a “digital scramble for Africa”, where multinational technology firms monopolise data from the continent, consolidating AI capabilities predominantly in the Global North or China. This scenario can impede efforts to utilise Africa’s data to inform AI algorithms and products, potentially leading to increasing biases and inaccuracies. Furthermore, this data extraction pattern resembles historical resource exploitation by colonial powers in Africa, highlighting the urgency to strengthen domestic African data governance and AI development capabilities to empower the continent in shaping its digital future. AU Member States stand in a prime position to advocate for prioritising democratic governance while safeguarding against capitalist extractivism in developing AI systems. This approach can prevent 'digital colonialism,’ where multinational technology firms extract African data without consent or benefit for local populations.

Labour protections for click-workers and remote workers

AI-related work in Africa may predominantly involve click workers engaged in data cleaning and labelling tasks. As infrastructure expands but employment prospects remain dim, African youth are likely to participate in the global gig economy by completing microtasks on online platforms. However, this form of granular sub-contracting work presents significant challenges, including low wages, repetitive tasks, the potential for AI managers, and lack of access to essential social safety nets. These undignified working conditions should prompt African governments to consider adjusting labour protection policies to address this precarious work pattern and facilitate easier unionisation efforts. Beyond AI, African democracies may need to explore labour-absorbing industrial policies that contribute to societal well-being. By proactively shaping the future of work, African governments can bridge the protection gap for vulnerable workers and cultivate a more resilient and equitable economy.

Revisiting neoliberal assumptions

For many Africans, mainstream economics feels distant and disconnected from the realities continent's realities. Policies rooted in free markets and limited government intervention, often termed "neoliberalism," have failed to deliver on their promises.[8] This is evident in the growing gap between the rich and the poor, exacerbating inequality and hindering progress. Additionally, the impact of climate change, with droughts and floods disrupting livelihoods and threatening food security, has been exacerbated by neoliberal policies prioritising markets over solutions. Moreover, African economies remain vulnerable to global market fluctuations, highlighting the need for greater resilience.[9]

The prioritisation of markets over government action has proven inadequate, underscoring the need for an African-centred approach to economic development. Thus, investing in people through initiatives such as education, healthcare, and social safety nets is crucial, while fostering the development of strong institutions that uphold effective governance, transparent regulations, and the rule of law. Additionally, nurturing homegrown solutions created by African entrepreneurs and innovators to tackle local challenges is essential. Strategic government intervention through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and social programmes is vital to unlocking economic potential and cultivating a more equitable future.[10]Africa’s economic future should be shaped by focusing on people, building strong institutions, and promoting local innovation. This entails formalising the informal economy to unlock its potential and generate tax revenue for development, integrating traditional economic practices and values that emphasise community and social responsibility into new economic models, and prioritising environmental sustainability in economic development efforts.

Africa holds immense potential, and by embracing an African-centred approach and moving away from one-size-fits-all models, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economies can be built. This requires collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and the people themselves to create a future where prosperity is shared by all. APET realises that Africa stands at a pivotal moment to address pressing challenges such as inequality, climate change, and economic vulnerability through a reimagined approach to AI governance, market dynamics, and policy frameworks. To leverage AI responsibly,, Africa is encouraged to draw on its unique strengths and opportunities. This entails rethinking AI governance by shifting away from Western-dominated models and embracing African-centred frameworks that prioritise human rights, inclusion, data sovereignty, explainability, transparency, and democratic participation.

APET believes that the role of the market should be reimagined by nurturing local innovation through funding, incentives, technology transfer, collaboration, and policies that balance markets with social good.

APET believes that the role of the market should be reimagined by nurturing local innovation through funding, incentives, technology transfer, collaboration, and policies that balance markets with social good. Strengthening African democracies with AI involves promoting transparency, accountability, citizen engagement, and governance using AI tools for election monitoring, voter education, information dissemination, and policy decision-making. Africa can leverage its abundant mineral resources for AI advancement by exploring domestic processing and refining industries to create a vertically integrated AI ecosystem and develop local manufacturing capabilities for AI hardware components. These strategies, along with investments in building strong institutions, digital literacy, and collaboration between African countries, can position Africa as a leader in responsible AI development, fostering empowerment, progress, and a more democratic future.

In conclusion, the AU is positioned as a pivotal facilitator in supporting and advocating for Member States as they navigate towards securing and fostering democratic governance of AI throughout the continent. Recognising the global implications of AI systems, the AU is facilitating and fostering multilateral cooperation in developing ethical AI governance frameworks that uphold democratic principles and human rights.[11] Leveraging existing AU bodies and critical working groups, the AU is spearheading the formulation of guidelines for accountable AI that align with democratic values, principles, and human rights. By crafting innovative policy solutions tailored to Africa’s socio-economic landscape and ensuring democracy, the AU can harness the opportunities presented by AI while mitigating associated risks. In doing so, AU Member States can collectively safeguard the rights of their citizens and retain the necessary policy flexibility to shape their digital futures in a manner that reflects their values and aspirations.

 

Featured Bloggers

Barbara Glover – AUDA-NEPAD

Justina Dugbazah – The Sahara Institute

Bhekani Mbuli – University of Johannesburg

Chifundo Kungade – AUDA-NEPAD

Nhlawulo Shikwambane – AUDA-NEPAD

Maria Stella Namyalo – AUDA-NEPAD

Scott Timcke, Research ICT Africa

 

 

[1] https://ec.gov.gh/2020-presidential-election-results/

[2] https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/emerging-trends-and-challenges-of-electoral-democracy-in-africa.pdf

[3] https://www.iebc.or.ke/election/technology/?Biometric_Voter_Registration_System_(BVR)

[4] http://repository.tukenya.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/1777/ICT%20in%20electoral%20processes.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1

[5] https://researchictafrica.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RIA_Decoding-the-Ballot_How-Might-AI-Reshape-Democracy-on-the-African-Continent-1.pdf

[6] Asiamah, Gildfred. (2015). Popular political participation in Ghana's fourth republic.

[7] Okolo, C.T., Aruleba, K., Obaido, G. (2023). Responsible AI in Africa—Challenges and Opportunities. In: Eke, D.O., Wakunuma, K., Akintoye, S. (eds) Responsible AI in Africa. Social and Cultural Studies of Robots and AI. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08215-3_3

[8] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/neoliberalism.asp

[9] Balan, A. (2023). Neoliberalism, privatisation and marketisation: The implications for legal education in England and Wales. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2284548

[10] https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/2023/04/27/en-afdb-fragility-strategy_1.pdf

[11] https://www.nepad.org/blog/new-dawn-embracing-ethical-adoption-and-adaptation-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-africa