Lukman Adebisi Abdulrauf

Digital constitutionalism provides a framework to address the growing power of digital platforms in Africa, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more pervasive. While Europe has made significant strides in this area, African approaches remain underdeveloped, raising concerns about algorithmic bias, data sovereignty, and “algorithmic colonization.” This project critically examines Africa’s emerging AI governance strategies, assessing whether they adequately safeguard constitutional principles such as the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and human rights.

Although recent AU initiatives, like the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, signal progress, they remain largely aspirational and lack enforceable mechanisms. By comparing these frameworks with the European Union’s regulatory instruments, such as the AI Act, the project will identify areas of convergence and divergence, focusing on how Africa’s unique constitutional values are integrated into digital governance.