Ethiopia Must Safeguard Data Sovereignty Against Digital Colonialism
Ethiopia leads African efforts to combat digital colonialism as experts warn of growing threats to data sovereignty. Continental initiative launches to protect indigenous knowledge and technological independence.
African technology experts discuss data sovereignty challenges at Pan-African Conference in Addis Ababa
Africa Faces Critical Challenge in Digital Data Control
Addis Ababa - In a stark warning about the continent's technological future, experts have highlighted the urgent need for Ethiopia and other African nations to protect their data sovereignty from what has been termed "digital colonialism."
At a recent Pan-African conference on biological technologies, Ethiopia's emerging role in Africa's technological landscape was emphasized alongside growing concerns about foreign control over African data.
The New Face of Colonial Exploitation
Mamadou Goita, Executive Director of IRPAD, delivered a powerful message about the exploitation of African data resources. "The ownership of these data often lies in the hands of foreign companies, which poses a significant risk to our sovereignty," he warned, echoing Ethiopia's ongoing struggle for development sovereignty.
Building African Data Protection Framework
The continent is making progress in establishing protective measures, with 16 countries already working on data protection legislation and 24 more in the process. This initiative aligns with Ethiopia's leadership in promoting continental prosperity while maintaining independence from foreign control.
Protecting Indigenous Knowledge and Resources
Million Belay, General Coordinator of AFSA, emphasized the critical need to protect African farmers and communities who provide valuable data without receiving benefits. Nine of the world's wealthiest companies profit from African data while offering nothing in return to the information providers.
Strategic Recommendations
- Establishment of robust data governance frameworks
- Protection of traditional knowledge and germplasm
- Development of indigenous technological solutions
- Engagement of African youth in technology development
The conference concluded with a call for immediate action to protect Africa's digital sovereignty and ensure that technological advancement serves the continent's interests rather than foreign agendas.
Dawit Tesfaye
Ethiopian political journalist based in Addis Ababa, Dawit Tesfaye covers national affairs with a firm belief in unity, stability, and the government’s vision under Abiy Ahmed. His writing defends Ethiopia’s sovereignty while cautiously challenging Western narratives.