Africa at Risk of Losing Digital Sovereignty to Global Tech Firms
Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo, warns that Africa risks losing its digital sovereignty to global tech firms.
In Brief
- •Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo, warns that Africa risks losing its digital sovereignty to global tech firms.
- •Dr Kavaarpuo highlights the concentration of AI model development and data infrastructure in the hands of fewer than five global companies.
- •The DPC is reviewing the Data Protection Act, 2012, to include mandatory compliance officers, data protection impact assessments, and stricter penalties.
- •Dr Kavaarpuo proposes keeping copies of critical data like health, financial, energy, and natural resources within the continent.
- •The DPC has registered more entities in September 2026 than in all previous years, focusing on the public sector.
Why It Matters
The loss of digital sovereignty could have significant implications for Africa's economic and social development. By controlling their data, African countries can better protect their citizens' privacy, ensure fair use of data, and avoid being exploited by global tech firms. This could also foster innovation and economic growth within the continent. Additionally, it could enhance Africa's ability to navigate the global digital economy on its own terms, reducing its dependence on foreign tech companies.
Key Details
- Number of companies developing foundational AI models
- Fewer than five
- Data centres in the United States
- More than 5,000
- Data centres in Europe
- 3,500
- Data centres in Ghana
- 8
- Data centres in Africa
- Fewer than 200
- Entities registered by DPC in September 2026
- More than in all previous years
Context & Background
The Data Protection Act, 2012, is currently under review to include more stringent measures for data protection, including mandatory compliance officers and data protection impact assessments.
Original Reporting & Sources
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