digital afrikanlatest news & developments
To maximise AI’s potential in peace, justice and governance, governments, NGOs, multilateral institutions and the private sector must invest in ethical AI research, data-sharing initiatives and regulatory frameworks.  Photo: File

Treat your AI like a toddler

Like a toddler would learn to walk and crawl, let it learn the mechanics of daily life where it’s safe and secure and can’t get into any trouble

As South Africa aims to position itself at the forefront of the AI revolution and reap the benefits of this expanding industry, it must take decisive steps to provide incentives for the development of data centres powered by renewable energy.

AI is driving data centre growth in Africa

South Africa, in particular, is witnessing remarkable growth, poised to secure a substantial share of the projected $5 billion investment in the African data centre market by 2026

Transition minerals are essential for many clean energy technologies and their associated infrastructure such as wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles.

Africa’s data centre market and digital transformation pathways

To realise its digital potential, Africa must focus on several practical steps like investment in renewable energy sources

Companies must focus on reducing their carbon footprint and run their data centres on renewable energy. (Photo by Tom Lee/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images)

Data centres are catalysts for accelerating Africa’s digital growth

The global market for DCs is projected to reach $517.2bn by 2030, with Africa contributing less than 2% of the global colocation supply

By addressing investment challenges, improving infrastructure, reforming regulations, and nurturing talent, we can unlock Africa’s digital potential. (Getty Images)

Unlocking Africa’s digital potential: Addressing challenges and charting a path forward

By addressing investment challenges, improving infrastructure, reforming regulations, and nurturing talent, we can unlock Africa’s digital potential

The landscape of technology-driven elections is fast mutating. With the current deficits, there is a need for adequate digital skills if Africa is to be recognised for effective handling of elections.

Do politicians deliberately sabotage ICT adoption in African elections?

In order to effectively tackle the issues of ICT proficiency and election oversight in Africa, it is critical to concentrate on confronting the obstacles to implementation, closing the digital gap and strengthening cybersecurity protocols.

How does a continent that has suffered decades of state capture and democratic decline ensure free, fair and participatory electoral processes for effective democratic governance? Technology may be the answer. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

E-voting versus paper ballots

Allowing independent candidates to contest the next general election in South Africa is a boon for democracy. Prof. Colin Thakur asks if it is time to move to an electronic voting system?

(Photo by Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Are African elections manipulated by foreign disinformation campaigns?

Elections are being held in 19 countries across the African continent in 2024. Tom Mboya considers the rise in foreign disinformation campaigns.

Integrating social media into CBM frameworks offers a promising solution for addressing the limitations of traditional CBM tools and mitigating the rising public discontent. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Is social media weakening Africa’s democracy?

Social media has changed the status quo in politics. In an election cycle, interaction between politicians and the electorate has evolved to near-real-time communication.

How does a continent that has suffered decades of state capture and democratic decline ensure free, fair and participatory electoral processes for effective democratic governance? Technology may be the answer. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

Is South Africa ready for electronic voting?

With the rise of social media platforms and the proliferation of mobile devices, citizens and leaders have a whole new electoral interface

Governance that prepares: Why Africa needs a serious platform for contemplating our digital transformation and its governance

Digital transformation in Africa requires a strong public sector and foundation for a digital future. Anticipatory digital governance holds the key.

Oupa Nkosi/M&G

Digital pervasiveness and divisiveness: The role of African governments in enabling healthy digital futures

In their working paper, Digital pervasiveness and divisiveness: The role of African governments in enabling healthy digital futures Iman Bashir and Fisayo Oyewale use stories created by 22 young Africans to narrate their visions for effective data governance on the continent.