AGS NEWS – Experts have called on African governments to strengthen regulations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to protect the continent’s data sovereignty.

At the Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos, stakeholders warned that foreign companies could exploit African data without proper safeguards, potentially violating privacy and local laws.

Ikem Isiekwena, Managing Director of Simmons Cooper Partners, raised concerns about an “intelligence trap,” where AI models trained on global north data may not address Africa’s unique needs, risking a new form of colonialism.

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He also highlighted fragmented AI regulations across African nations.

Bola Adesina of Bola Adesina Consulting emphasized the need for Africa to establish “legacy regulations” to keep up with AI advancements, referencing the slow adoption of policies like the Malabo Convention.

Adeboye Adetoyese, Director of Maycode, urged stronger AI governance to leverage its benefits while protecting human rights and data.

The African Union’s recently approved Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy aims to support AI adoption across the continent.