Paper short abstract:

Drawing on research with informal traders in Lusaka, Zambia, this paper argues that it is crucial to analytically situate the role of digital technology and data in Africa within the 'platformisation' of the internet which increasingly raises concerns about the continent's growing datafication.

Paper long abstract:

Much hope continues to be vested in the ability of digital technology and data to transform African economies. Digital technology is not only treated as a crucial growth sector in its own right but is also seen as a means to transform the business practices of farmers, small-scale traders and market vendors. Debates on digital data in the African context are often positively framed in relation to '(big) data for development' projects or 'open data' initiatives. Data feature as potential sources of empowerment, bringing about economic efficiency, feeding into processes of policy formulation or enhancing state accountability. However, in focusing attention on the contribution of digital technology and data to economic change, scholars often fail to examine the way in which African internet(s) are changing and the global power relations at play. Given low levels of landline density and few home broadband connections, internet access in many African contexts heavily relies on having a smartphone and being able to access subsidised social media packages. African internet(s) are strongly shaped by mobile phone providers and global social media platforms. Drawing on research with informal traders and vendors in New Soweto Market in Lusaka, Zambia, this paper argues that it is crucial to analytically situate the role of digital technology and data in Africa within the wider context of the 'platformisation' of the global mobile internet which does not only violate net neutrality but also increasingly raises concerns about the continent's datafication and threats to privacy.