African governments have been racing to adopt artificial intelligence, promoting it as a mechanism to bolster democracy, increase safety, prevent crime, register voters, improve government efficiency, and add jobs.
However, experts fear this push could damage democracy, stifle human rights, increase censorship, and repress civil society.
In Zimbabwe, a journalist was arrested in February when his digital chat interview with an opposition leader was monitored electronically by authorities. The story is the same in Nigeria, where journalists and activists are routinely monitored through surveillance technology.
The use of AI for surveillance technology by these African governments presents a clear and present danger to democracy and freedom of expression in the region. This investigation shines a light on this trend, focusing on Zimbabwe and Nigeria as case studies.
