As global tech giants invest heavily in Africa’s internet infrastructure, the question of data sovereignty—who controls and manages data—becomes increasingly urgent. For a continent aspiring to preserve its digital sovereignty in the face of growing external influence, navigating this complex landscape requires balancing economic growth, digital inclusion, and national sovereignty.
What is Data Sovereignty?
Data sovereignty is about controlling what is important, from an organization’s data protection laws and regulations perspective, at all phases of that data’s lifecycle. It also refers to the authority to control and manage digital data, encompassing protection, encryption, transmission, and storage.
It is multifaceted:
Power: The ability of users—individuals, organizations, or nations—to control their data (Alboaie and Cosovan, 2017).
Regulation: Rules governing where and how data is stored, particularly within national borders (Courtney, 2013).
Right: The inherent right of a nation to collect, manage, and utilize its own data (Rainie et al., 2017).
Political Vision: A dimension of national sovereignty embedded in public policy and governance (Irion, 2012).
In Africa, where much of the digital infrastructure is controlled by foreign entities, achieving data sovereignty presents unique challenges.
The Challenges for Africa
1. Infrastructure Gaps and Costs
Africa hosts only 1.3% of global data centers, with half located in South Africa. To match global standards, the continent would need 700 additional data centers, requiring substantial energy resources—around 1,000 megawatts according to the African Data Center Association (ADCA). High costs and environmental concerns make scaling this infrastructure challenging.
2. Dependence on Foreign Technology
Tech giants like Meta and Google invest in infrastructure, but their primary goal is market expansion. With Africa expected to comprise 25% of the world’s population by 2050, the continent represents a lucrative growth market. However, this dependency risks ceding control over data to external players.
3. Cloud Complexity and Legal Barriers
The rise of cloud computing has blurred geographic boundaries for data storage, increasing the risk of non-compliance with national data laws. The multicloud model, in particular, scatters data across jurisdictions, complicating governance and enforcement.
4. Connectivity Challenges
Internet access in Africa remains slow and expensive, with an average cost of $4.47 per GB compared to the global average of $3. Events like the 2018 severance of the ACE submarine cable highlight the fragility of current infrastructure and the urgent need for robust alternatives.
Recommendations for Addressing Data Sovereignty :
Enhancing the Pan-African Data Governance Framework:
Develop a unified African Union (AU) data policy framework to ensure coherent governance across the continent.
2. Single Data Market
Establish a continental single data market to enable the creation, sharing, and reuse of data. This would spur economic growth while safeguarding individual rights.
3. Strategic Prioritization
Identify key sectors and stakeholders that would benefit most from data governance frameworks. Quantify the potential value of such initiatives to ensure targeted and impactful implementation.
4. Digitization and Accessibility
Accelerate the digitization of public data and ensure equitable access to existing digital resources. Bridging infrastructure and access gaps is critical to fostering digital inclusion.
5. Regulatory Research and Innovation
Empower African researchers to explore and develop governance models tailored to the continent’s unique needs. This includes frameworks that balance innovation with compliance and sovereignty.
6. Infrastructure Mapping and Equity
Map disparities in digital infrastructure and access across countries and regions. Address these inequalities to create a more inclusive digital landscape.
The Way Forward:
Achieving data sovereignty in Africa is not merely a technical or legal issue—it is a matter of national and continental identity, autonomy, and development. By adopting a collaborative and forward-looking approach, Africa can harness its data resources to drive economic growth, protect its citizens’ rights, and assert its place in the global digital ecosystem.
The challenge lies in building the infrastructure, frameworks, and partnerships necessary to turn this vision into reality. But with its rich human capital, growing digital literacy, and collective resolve, Africa has the potential to emerge as a leader in data governance and sovereignty.
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