The Return of East India Companies: AI, Africa and the New (Digital) Colonialism

By Arwa ElGhadban |||

The rise of AI in Africa has prompted discussions on the resurgence of colonial dynamics, with terms like “Data Colonialism” and “AI Colonialism” gaining traction. Drawing on historical contexts, scholars argue that colonial legacies persist in modern digital practices. Key issues include the dominance of Western languages in AI technologies, labor exploitation in AI industries, and the unethical testing of AI systems in vulnerable regions. Despite these challenges, a decolonial AI movement is emerging in the Global South, advocating for contextually relevant AI development and empowering marginalized communities. Keep reading.