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Paper short abstract:

The Ghana Citizen Card is considered central to unlocking e-governance in Ghana. The cards potential in government connectivity and service accessibility for civil society are promising, but stagnant implementation has led to domestic and foreign questioning of the efficiency of digitalization.

Paper long abstract:

The foundation and implementation of the National Identification Authority (NIA) in Ghana in 2003 introduced a government branch concerned with the development of a system that captures the country's population through the digitalization of an institution. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice-President of Ghana, has been a key advocate for the digitalization of Ghanaian governance institutions, and has been pushing for the Ghana Citizen Card (GCC) as the main form of identification. The GCC promises accessibility to public government services, including healthcare, voter registration and travel across West Africa and beyond. Although the cards versatility is promising, the standardization of the card among civil society has been slow. Implementing a private-public partnership by cracking down on access to sim cards only through the ID document should have motivated people to sign up for the card. Although an increase in registration has taken place, it is not to the extent that the NIA had hoped for. This raises the question of how accessible the features of the GCC are to the wider population in accessing government services and how embedded its use is in public government institutions. What does the lack of use say about the digitalization efforts of government institutions, and how has the support of foreign governments in this process aided or stagnated implementation? By analyzing the digitalization steps of Ghanaian institutions and their access to services, the card's potential in advancing government digitalization and foreign stakeholder influence can be understood.

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This paper aims to contribute to the panel discussion by arguing that policies based on the proactionary principle, rather than the precautionary principle, should be adopted in Africa to govern and drive research, innovations and dissemination of emerging technologies for Africa's development .

Paper long abstract:

African countries are seeking to position themselves towards leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and various new technologies currently penetrating into the continent. Beyond relying on technology transfer and serving as markets for developed technologies, certain policy changes could enable African countries participate in their research and development, thereby helping narrow the technology gap. As African governmental bodies begin to focus on formulating strategies, policies and regulatory frameworks concerning innovation, investments and ethical use of new technologies, cultural resistance to AI, robotics and other emerging technologies coupled with autocratic traits in several African societies however stand to influence policymaking in directions of the “precautionary principle” – the current measure adopted in European legislation – which holds that a technology must be proven to do no harm before it is embraced, and implies initial response to a new idea should be inaction until its safety is established. Alternatively, the “proactionary principle” as a counter-viewpoint defends people’s freedom to learn, innovate and advance technologically, proposing effectively that in considering whether and how to develop, deploy, or restrict new technologies calculated risk-taking should be understood as an opportunity and essential to human progress. This paper contends that policies and regulations based on the precautionary principle would impede innovations that can help Africa’s development, and thus argue for the promotion instead of the proactionary principle in Africa to operate as the overarching ethical and decision-making principle governing and motivating research, innovation and dissemination of emerging technologies for advancement of the continent.

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Using Ghana’s attempt at technological advance under Nkrumah and its contemporary digitalization efforts as a case study, the idea of digital imperialism is canvassed as a starting point for theorizing about Africa and the power dynamics of the digitalization turn in the global political economy.

Paper long abstract:

Cyberization(used interchangeably with digitalization in this paper) has become the new inescapable reality of contemporary life. Cyberization points to the ways in which daily living in the last thirty years has become decidedly entangled in digital artifacts, infrastructure and networks. The recent COVID-19 pandemic provides the most recent empirical, incontrovertibly global and demonstrable snapshot of this reality. This paper concerns itself with what all this means for Africa’s place in the scheme of global power mediated by the era of digitalization. Using Ghana’s attempt at scientific and technological advance under President Kwame Nkrumah and its cyberization experience in the era of neoliberal capitalism as a case study, and drawing insights from the fields of techno-politics, Science and Technology Studies(STS), development studies and international relations, the chapter offers some conceptual building blocks wound around the idea of digital imperialism as a starting point for catalyzing theorizing about Africa and the power dynamics of the cyberization turn in the global political economy.

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The transition to a more sustainable energy future is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and it's clear that the cooperation of government, the private sector, and civil society is necessary to achieve this goal. This paper explores the role of the youth in this development in Nigeria.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the role of the youth in green energy development, adaptation, and sustainability in Nigeria. The aim is to analyze the level of involvement, strategies, and approaches used by government and cooperative organizations to ensure youth involvement in this all-important venture. With a combination of the explorative Historical methodologies of Oral Interviews, Participatory Observations, Books, Articles, and Internet Sources, the paper submits that: Youth involvement in green energy development and adaption in Nigeria is vital, as they are the next generation of consumers and leaders. The youth can play a key role in promoting green energy through initiatives such as education and advocacy and by supporting the development of renewable energy sources and technologies. In addition to environmental benefits, the youth can also benefit economically from the transition to green energy, as it can create new job opportunities and boost economic development which in turn, promotes democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Despite the potential benefits, there are also challenges to the transition to green energy, such as the cost of implementing new technologies and the need for infrastructure development. However, with the right policies and support, the youth can help to overcome these challenges and ensure a sustainable future for Nigeria. It is, therefore, essential to involve the youth in decision-making and policy-making processes related to green energy adaptation, development, and sustainability in Nigeria to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the country.

Keywords: Green Energy, Development, Climate Change, Youth Participation, Nigeria.

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Paper short abstract:

In sub-Saharan Africa, 9 in 10 children lack electricity in schools. Ghana's ICT policy strives for equitable access, but rural-urban gaps persist in electricity and remote learning tools. Bridging this gap requires significant improvements in rural educational infrastructure.

Paper long abstract:

Efforts are being made to address the significant gap between rural and urban communities, to improve the socio-economic sustainability of rural areas. Approximately 660 million children attend primary schools worldwide, but unfortunately, a staggering 188 million lack access to electricity. It is concerning to note that nine out of ten children in sub-Saharan Africa, aged three to seventeen, attend schools without electricity. The rapid expansion of information and communication technology (ICT) has increased its significance in contemporary cultures. As a result, educational institutions in the Global South have been modifying their curricula and resources to bridge the technology gap between industrialized and developing countries. Within the framework of Ghana's ICT policy objectives, it is recognized that ICT is a crucial tool for education at all levels. The strategy aims to establish ICT standards for teaching and administration in both urban and rural schools, standardize ICT resources, and provide recommendations for integrating ICT tools into education across the board. This research analyses the technological gap between schools in rural and urban locations, using data from the World Bank, UNESCO, Ghana's Ministry of Education, UNESCO-UITS, and academic journals. The study reveals that 95.2% of families in urban areas have access to electricity, compared to 74% in rural areas. The report emphasizes the significance of enhancing educational infrastructure in rural areas to address the technology gap in teaching and learning, especially in integrating ICT into the curriculum.

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The research highlights technology's democratizing potential, addressing risks like digital surveillance and information manipulation. It underscores the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks to balance innovation and democratic principles in African countries.

Paper long abstract:

This research endeavors to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between technology and politics in the African context. Focusing on the continent's diverse socio-political landscape, the study conducts a comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies and their multifaceted implications for governance, political participation, and socio-economic development. The investigation begins by mapping the current technological landscape in Africa, examining the penetration and adoption rates of key technologies such as mobile connectivity, internet access, and the deployment of cutting-edge innovations. The research delves into the impact of these technologies on political processes, electoral systems, and government-citizen interactions, taking into account regional variations and disparities. Moreover, the study critically evaluates the role of social media, data analytics, and artificial intelligence in shaping political narratives and influencing public opinion. Through a comparative analysis of case studies from various African nations, the research aims to identify patterns, challenges, and opportunities associated with the integration of technology into political spheres. A key focus of the analysis is on the potential democratizing effects of technology, exploring how increased connectivity and information dissemination can empower marginalized voices and foster inclusive political participation. Conversely, the research also investigates the risks and challenges posed by technology, such as the potential for digital surveillance, cyber threats, and the manipulation of information for political purposes. In addition, the study assesses the regulatory frameworks governing technology in different African countries, highlighting the need for adaptive policies that balance innovation with safeguarding democratic principles.

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Artificial intelligence is gaining prominence in higher education. However, there are concerns regarding the ethical implications of AI adoption. This study reviews policy documents and national blueprints to examine national readiness for AI and its development in African higher education.

Paper long abstract:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining prominence in higher education worldwide, offering cost-saving and institutional effectiveness promises. The evolution of higher education worldwide has seen a definitive transformation over the past few decades due to changes in governance approaches (Song 2020), financial challenges (Mitchell et al., 2019), and the increasing globalization of the world, resulting in more internationalization. Some of these transformations have offered opportunities and threats; however, one aspect seen as expanding opportunities and facilitating growth is the advancement of technology (Abad-Segura et al., 2020). The rapid advancement of technology has contributed significantly to the globalization of businesses and the ease of communication across borders. In higher education, it has also enhanced learning and eased teaching. It has provided access to people, especially the underprivileged and those in remote areas, who may not have had access to education otherwise (Ali 2020). This does not suggest that technology incorporation in higher education has always been a positive story; it has posed challenges, too. Concerns have been raised regarding the ethical implications of AI adoption, including data and algorithmic colonialism. In Africa, where the adoption of AI is still in its early stages, there is an opportunity to explore and mitigate these concerns. This study uses a qualitative document analysis to review policy documents and national blueprints to highlight national readiness for AI and its development in African higher education.

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This paper explores AI's role in Africa, highlighting its potential and ethical challenges. It discusses responsible AI applications, barriers to deployment, and offers recommendations for sustainable, ethical AI development.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa, focusing on the imperative of responsible usage. As AI technology rapidly evolves and finds its applications across diverse sectors, African countries stand at a pivotal juncture to harness its potential for socio-economic development. The paper begins by introducing AI and its relevance to the African context, highlighting how AI can address unique challenges and contribute to growth. It then delves into the current state of AI in Africa, presenting various case studies that showcase successful implementations in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. Critical challenges are examined, including infrastructure deficits, data accessibility, skill shortages, and ethical concerns like bias and privacy. The discussion extends to the ethical dimensions of AI, underscoring the importance of responsible practices that prioritize societal welfare and mitigate risks. Policies, frameworks, and guidelines crucial for fostering a responsible AI ecosystem in Africa are analyzed, drawing insights from regional and global perspectives. The paper presents real-world examples of ethical AI usage in Africa, demonstrating its transformative impact when employed conscientiously. Finally, the paper offers a forward-looking view, proposing recommendations for stakeholders to promote responsible AI development and usage. By providing a comprehensive overview of AI's role in Africa, this paper aims to contribute to the discourse on leveraging technology for sustainable and inclusive growth while navigating ethical and practical challenges.

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While the debate continues on the prospects of technology in electoral credibility, this paper examines the role that technology played in previous elections in Nigeria, the prospects technology holds for future elections, and the challenges technology poses to the electoral and democratic process.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the role that technology has played in previous elections in Nigeria, the prospects technology holds for future elections, and the inherent challenges technology poses to the electoral and democratic process. The literature on the role of technology in elections and democracy has not been able to reach a consensus on the prospects of technology to improve the electoral process, while some are optimistic about the subject matter, others are rather pessimistic. Despite this unresolved debate, the deployment of technology for the electoral and democratic process in Africa, but specifically Nigeria, is on the increase. The paper relied on primary data, using the qualitative research method, and drawing insights from fourteen (14) key informant interviewees who were purposively selected based on their expertise, experience and practical involvement on the subject matter. Among others, findings reveal that technology has improved the electoral and democratic process in Nigeria; it has inherent challenges like technological glitches and political interference, environmental factors, inadequate trainings for handlers of technologies during elections, the high cost of deploying technologies, corruption, and the vulnerability of technologies, etc. The paper also found that technology has very good prospects to improve the electoral process in Nigeria, and that there is the need for the introduction of more technologies in future elections in Nigeria, however, with caution and gradually, rather than rushed. The paper recommends the need for sustained commitment to technological enhancement, including investing in advanced equipment and updating software, to address challenges and ensure trustworthy election outcomes.

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New technologies inspire new hopes for the future of work in developing countries, but they also bring risks. In this study, we look at the case of Ghana to see how technological risks shape people's preferences for a set of policies in an African context.

Paper long abstract:

As a nascent socio-economic literature argues, new technologies bring new hopes for the future of work in developing countries, but they also bring risks. In this study, we look at the case of Ghana to see how technological risks shape people's preferences for a set of policies. We draw on a novel dataset of 1,252 survey responses from Ghana and apply regression analysis and a qualitative data mapping technique to explore four central hypotheses: first, that both objective and subjective technological risks are positively correlated with a preference for a set of social policies; second, that digital skills and utilization potentially moderate the influence of technological risks on policy preferences; third, that the formality of employment conditions the relationship between technological risk and policy preferences; and fourth, that a greater exposure or perception of technological risk correlates with a stronger preference for job-related policies over other social policies. The results reveal a strong preference for active labor market policies and redistribution compared to other policy interventions. Digital literacy does not uniformly mitigate these concerns, but the analysis of qualitative responses explains why. Overall, this study contributes to the current debates on the future of work and social policy, in Africa. It is the first known study to offer insights into the social policy preferences of a workforce from a ‘global south’ perspective and provides implications for inclusive and responsive strategies in response to technological disruption in a developing country context.

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The Silk Roads celebrate their anniversary this year. In ten years, China has spent nearly a trillion euros to finance projects in telecommunications infrastructure, among others. It has created a complex network of land corridors.

Paper long abstract:

Chinese investment in Africa’s tech infrastructure continues to gain momentum on the continent. The “Made in China” technology serves now as the backbone of network infrastructure in several African countries. And they are providing the next generation of technology. Nowhere is Huawei’s presence and strategy more evident than in Africa, a continent it entered for the first time in 1998, where it successfully dispelled the “Made in China“ image of low cost and low quality. In Senegal, Huawei won the first major project funded by China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Dakar in 2005. The aim of this program was to participate in the modernization of public administration in Senegal; the establishment of a broadband network using new technologies and for making the extension of the administrative government intranet management of all services to reach all parts of the country. Currently, the company achieves on the development of the State’s digital infrastructure (Datacenter, Senegal Services Centers, Optical Fibre, Smart City, Safe City, etc.). The various phases of this turnkey project are financed by an Eximbank loan from China to the Senegalese government.At the heart of these digitals Silk Roads which draw so much sympathy and criticism, the Huawei Group is rewriting the future of technology in Africa. Were the digitals silks roads a debt trap? Is it a threatens on African digital sovereignty? Could African countries they say no to China when it brings them technology? H