“In deliberating these emerging issues, therefore, I call upon you the elected representatives of the peoples of the region, to ensure that systems based on artificial intelligence and other technologies do not merely cut-and-paste global models. They must reflect the unique priorities and perspectives of the SADC region and Africa in general, from an Afrocentric perspective.” – President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa’s statement underscores an important and timely concern regarding the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and Africa as a whole. His call for an Afrocentric perspective in AI systems is a crucial step toward ensuring that technological advancements align with the continent’s unique socio-economic, cultural and developmental priorities.
Here are key points of reflection:
1. Rejection of “Cut-and-Paste” Global Models
– The President rightly critiques the uncritical adoption of Western or foreign AI frameworks that do not address Africa’s specific challenges. Many global AI systems are designed with biases and priorities that do not reflect African realities—such as language diversity, local governance structures, and economic conditions.
– A localized approach ensures that AI solutions are relevant, equitable and beneficial to African societies rather than reinforcing dependency or digital colonialism.
2. Afrocentric AI for African Priorities
– An Afrocentric perspective in AI means developing systems that prioritize:
– Local languages and cultures (e.g., natural language processing for indigenous languages).
– Agriculture, healthcare and financial inclusion – key sectors where AI can drive transformative change.
– Ethical governance that avoids surveillance capitalism and respects African data sovereignty.
3. SADC and Pan-African Collaboration
– President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on regional cooperation is vital. A unified African approach to AI regulation, innovation, and infrastructure can prevent fragmentation and strengthen bargaining power in global tech governance.
– Initiatives like the African Union’s AI Continental Strategy should align with such visions to avoid external domination of Africa’s digital future.
4. Challenges to Consider
– Capacity Building: Does Africa have enough homegrown expertise, or will it rely on foreign tech giants?
– Data Colonialism: Will African data be exploited by external actors, or will there be strong data protection laws?
– Inclusivity: Will rural and marginalised communities benefit, or will AI deepen inequalities?
President Mnangagwa’s statement is a progressive stance that aligns with broader calls for decolonising technology and ensuring that AI serves African interests. However, realising this vision requires strong policy frameworks, investment in local tech ecosystems, and Pan-African collaboration to avoid repeating past mistakes where Africa remained a consumer rather than a shaper and creator of technology.
If executed well, an Afrocentric AI strategy could position Africa as a leader in ethical, inclusive and context-aware technological innovation. If not, the continent risks being left behind, or worse, subjected to digital neo-colonialism under the guise of “global models.”