African leaders and global tech executives are calling for AI sovereignty as the continent seeks to shape artificial intelligence (AI) development rather than merely consume imported systems.
The push comes as concerns grow about Africa’s representation in AI datasets and the need for technology solutions tailored to local contexts and languages.
The debate took centre stage at the fourth annual Africa Soft Power Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where industry leaders from Google, Meta, and African organisations outlined strategies for ensuring the continent maintains control over its digital future.