Sam George urges African nations to build self-designed digital systems

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Sam George has called on African nations to transition from being passive consumers of foreign technology to becoming active architects of their own digital infrastructure. Addressing the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum, George emphasized that developing indigenous digital systems is critical to ensuring the continent’s cultural and economic sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world. He warned that without deliberate action, Africa remains at risk of marginalization as global interests continue to shape the rules governing digital technologies.

A significant portion of the Minister’s address focused on the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on African identities. George highlighted the urgent need for African nations to develop their own national language models to preserve local languages and traditions. He argued that relying solely on foreign-developed AI risks the erasure of African linguistic diversity, as these systems often fail to capture the nuances and cultural realities of the continent. By creating digital solutions that reflect African identities, the continent can ensure its voice is heard in the global digital landscape.

George further criticized the prevailing trend of importing "ready-made" digital systems, asserting that such dependence limits Africa's ability to govern its own digital space. He advocated for a paradigm shift toward self-designed solutions that are specifically built to address local challenges. According to the Minister, digital sovereignty is not merely a technical goal but a necessary step to prevent the continent from being sidelined by external interests that may not align with African priorities.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister called for enhanced continental cooperation to build a unified front in digital governance. He suggested that the Africa Internet Governance Forum should evolve beyond a discussion space into a platform for decisive, collaborative action. George noted that by pooling resources and expertise, African nations can create a robust digital ecosystem that fosters innovation, protects cultural heritage, and secures a prosperous future for the next generation.