Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity in Africa’s Internet Landscape: An Analysis of the African Union’s Efforts on Data Governance

Nwafor, E. Ifeoma (2025) Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity in Africa’s Internet Landscape: An Analysis of the African Union’s Efforts on Data Governance. South African Journal for Communication Theory and Research. pp. 1-17. ISSN 1753-5379

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Abstract

The diverse and extensive variety of artificial intelligence (AI) systems can lead to cultural appropriation, misuse, and digital adaptation of Indigenous groups’ data, art, and music. The dearth or inadequate consideration of cultural diversity and inclusion in the design, development, and implementation of AI systems will exacerbate marginalisation, discrimination, algorithmic oppression, and other ethical concerns in the AI sphere. This article investigates the African Union’s (AU) data governance frameworks, including the AU Data Policy Framework and the AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, to determine their impact on inclusivity and cultural diversity within Africa’s digital realm. It adopts a practical model that presents the core methodological tool for assessing the AU’s data governance frameworks, particularly concerning questions of cultural diversity and inclusivity in AI systems. The findings reveal limited efforts, with only the AU Data Policy Framework partially incorporating a somewhat culturally diverse and inclusive approach in the African data ecosystem. The AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection framework appears divorced from an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach. This article canvasses for more strategic efforts to entrench cultural representation, inclusion, and diversity by design in developing and implementing AI systems in Africa and for Africans. It provides recommendations on exploring emerging technologies for Indigenous culture preservation and inclusivity, and it offers valuable insights into how policy interventions can improve data governance for greater cultural representation and inclusivity.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law
Depositing User:	mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2026 16:40
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2026 16:40
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5619

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