China-Africa digital cooperation Digital colonialism or development?

Abstract

Among the many areas of Sino-African cooperation, digital technology is fast gaining prominence. This is because of advancements in digital technology in computing, internet expansion, big data analytics, and automation that are driving wholesale socio-economic transformation on a global scale. The incorporation of new digital technologies is driving economic growth, introducing new security dynamics, and transforming global trade. This paper takes stock of digital cooperation between China and Africa in the last two decades. It zooms in on specific areas of cooperation, such as digital infrastructure, digital content, and digital skills development, which have had a significant impact on the continent’s digital economy. However, Africa needs to be more proactive and tread with caution in its digital cooperation with China to avoid digital colonialism. Digital technology is not value-neutral. African countries must ensure that the technology they import from China aligns with African values and interests.