Stakeholders push for human-centred AI, stronger data governance
Stakeholders push for human-centred AI, stronger data governance
https://guardian.ng/news/stakeholders-push-for-human-centred-ai-stronger-data-governance-in-africa/
Publish Date: 2026-06-20 15:05:00
Source Domain: guardian.ng
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.
Stakeholders in academia, policy and digital governance have underscored the need for Africa-centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies, stronger data sovereignty and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
The call was made during panel sessions on Volume 2: Our Digital Lives and Indigenous Pathways, part of the multi-volume anthology, Living Sustainably Here: African Perspectives on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), founded by scholar and sustainability advocate, Olatoun Gabi-Williams, at the Lagos Studies Association Conference
The volume was discussed during two sessions held on Wednesday and Friday, bringing together contributors to examine the intersection of technology, sustainability and indigenous knowledge.
The first panel session, moderated by Ms. Bisola “Bibi” Dere, was held on Wednesday and examined the implications of emerging technologies and their relationship with sustainable development in Africa. A second session followed on Friday, continuing conversations around indigenous pathways and digital futures.
Speaking, Gabi-Williams stressed that AI development should remain human-centred and environmentally responsible, noting that technological advancement should support rather than hinder social progress and sustainability.
“AI must be human-friendly and planet-centred. It must support civilisation and not become an impediment to the advancement of people and the planet,” she said.
According to her, African data should not be treated as “free raw material” for foreign entities, adding that governments across the continent should move beyond policy declarations to practical implementation.
Gabi-Williams also raised concerns about the risks posed by unchecked AI adoption, particularly for younger generations, stressing the importance of safeguards and regulations that protect children and vulnerable communities.
The scholar noted that while the volume acknowledges the opportunities presented by AI, it places significant emphasis on identifying risks and ensuring adequate protections, especially for vulnerable populations.
She further emphasised the need to critically examine growing foreign interest in African languages during the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).
According to her, African governments must take deliberate steps to preserve mother tongues through the development of African-built and African-owned artificial intelligence technologies.
She stressed that data sovereignty and technological sovereignty are essential to ensuring that Africa’s linguistic heritage is safeguarded and that local communities retain control over how their languages are documented and deployed in digital spaces.
On indigenous languages and culture, she expressed optimism about their future, observing that bilingualism and existing educational policies mandating indigenous language studies provide opportunities for preserving African identities amid rapid digital transformation.
Also speaking, historian and researcher Pelumi Olatunji said artificial intelligence is only as effective as the information provided to it, making the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems essential.
He warned against allowing technological advancement to eclipse traditional systems of knowledge and innovation, arguing that both should develop side by side.
Olatunji said younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are increasingly disconnected from indigenous pathways and historical innovations that shaped African societies.
He advocated the use of technology to document Africa’s cultural, industrial and intellectual heritage to ensure its transmission to future generations.
According to him, Africa must also become more intentional in shaping digital policies that protect its interests.
Drawing comparisons with how countries tailor digital platforms to reflect national priorities, he said African governments should take a more active role in regulating technologies and algorithms.
Abdulazeez Shomade, a postgraduate scholar at the Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, described artificial intelligence as a tool with enormous potential for climate action, urban planning and environmental conservation.
He said technologies such as geographic information systems and digital models could help planners preserve ecological buffers and communities whose livelihoods are closely tied to agriculture and the environment.
Shomade, however, expressed concern over the limited availability of datasets for African indigenous languages, noting that many AI-powered translation tools still produce inaccurate interpretations.
