Africa and Artificial Intelligence: From the Prospects of Digital Transformation to the Risks of Neo-Colonialism

Abstract:
     This study seeks to analyze the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in the African continent, not only from the perspective of the opportunities they provide for development and innovation, but also through a critical lens that highlights the risks of contemporary digital colonialism. While AI constitutes a strategic tool for economic growth and sustainable development by improving healthcare, education, and financial services, as well as enhancing digital infrastructure it simultaneously raises significant challenges related to digital sovereignty, the widening technological gap, and the dominance of multinational corporations over Africa’s data and digital resources.
     Accordingly, the study is structured around three main axes: the first addresses AI and digital transformation in Africa in terms of the opportunities and challenges facing the continent in implementing digital change; the second examines AI as a tool of contemporary digital colonialism through the dominance of major Western technology companies; and the third explores the risks of digital transformation for Africa and the African strategies needed to confront these challenges.