Sam George urges Africa to take control of its digital future

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George has called upon African nations to take charge of their digital future, warning of the risk of being left out as global powers dictate the rules and standards of the digital world. Addressing the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mr George stressed the need for Africa to cease relying on foreign digital systems and develop the capacity to design, build, and regulate technologies that meet its unique needs and circumstances.

With technology embedded in daily life, he emphasized that digital sovereignty has become an urgent priority. Decision-making regarding rules and standards that shape the digital world is already underway, with algorithms now influencing the content people consume, purchase, and believe. Africa cannot remain on the sidelines of this development process.

"Today, powerful interests are shaping the digital world. Rules are being written. Standards are being set. Algorithms are deciding what our people see, what they buy, and what they believe. Africa cannot stand on the edge of that process," Mr George stated. He drew inspiration from Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, quoting Nkrumah's declaration that "we face neither east nor west.

We face forward," and likened it to the need for African countries to control their digital systems. "The same is true of digital sovereignty. We learn to build by building. We learn to govern by governing," Mr George asserted. He highlighted that African issues require solutions crafted by Africans and tailored to the continent's specific conditions, not technologies and policies imposed without consideration for local needs.

However, Mr George cautioned that no single country can achieve digital sovereignty alone. He advocated for enhanced collaboration across the continent to ensure Africa has a meaningful presence in the decisions that influence the global digital landscape. The minister suggested that the Africa Internet Governance Forum should evolve beyond an annual gathering to become a platform where Africa formulates common positions and transforms them into action.