Algorithmic Colonialism: AI, Language Misrepresentation, and Democracy in Africa

Meriam  Hssaini

doi:10.22151/politikon.61.CON4

Authors

Meriam Hssaini Cadi Ayyad University https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8377-8735

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.61.CON4

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence and Democracy, Epistemic Sovereignty, Digital Dependence, Algorithmic Colonialism, Sovereign AI Infrastructure

Abstract

AI is reshaping governance in Kenya, not only through bias and misinformation but through a deeper process of algorithmic colonialism, where external technologies distort African languages and political realities. Due to limited linguistic coverage and foreign dominance in digital infrastructure, AI systems undermine epistemic access and democratic participation. This paper argues for a Pan-African AI Sovereignty Agency to build sovereign AI hubs, cultural data libraries, and public foundation models, enabling the continent to reclaim algorithmic sovereignty and ensure epistemic autonomy.

Author Biography

Meriam Hssaini, Cadi Ayyad University

Meriam Hssaini is a second-year Master’s student in Political Science, specializing in Global Governance and Public Policy at Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco. She serves as a Research Associate in hegemonic think tanks dedicated to advancing research in African studies, international governance, and policy analysis. She is also a member of IAPSS in both the Comparative Politics and Global Politics SRCs, and an analyst with the “Crisis Observatory” think tank.

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