Africa Must Build AI Ownership to Avoid Data Dependency

At the Africa Soft Power Summit 2026, experts warned that Africa could become a mere supplier of raw data in the global artificial intelligence economy unless it urgently builds ownership across data, talent, and financial infrastructure. The high-level session titled "AI Scramble: Own Africa's Data Talent" featured key speakers including Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa; Snehar Shah, CEO of IXAfrica Data Centres; and Amini Kate Kallot, CEO and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank Kenya.

They discussed the need for Africa to avoid being a mere consumer of AI products developed outside the continent. Kallot emphasized the importance of establishing local systems for data collection and governance, while Shah pointed out that Africa accounts for a small fraction of global digital infrastructure despite its large youth population.

Birju Sanghrajka highlighted the need for clearer commercial models and stronger risk assessment frameworks to attract investment in AI ventures across Africa.