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Love, Deceit, and the Price of Trust in Africa’s Digital Age

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By Paul Ndiho | Ndiho Media

It often starts with tenderness, a late-night chat, a promise that feels overdue. Then the ground shifts. Interpol’s continent-wide sting—more than 260 arrests across 14 African countries—pulled the curtain on a thriving marketplace of heartache, where sextortion and romance scams turn intimacy into leverage and affection into cash. Investigators say over 1,400 victims have been identified, and losses are nearing $2.8 million. But the balance sheet can’t measure what’s hardest to recover: trust.

Cybersecurity analyst Adedoyin Adedeji has watched the script unfold too many times to count. “Crime grows when there are no consequences,” he told Different Perspectives. “When people know there are consequences to doing bad things, the chances of combating it are higher.” He conducts awareness sessions with teenagers and young adults, and hears a chilling refrain: romance fraud isn’t a “crime,” it’s a “business.” As he put it, “Some don’t even consider it a crime… ‘I just told someone I love you and they gave me money.’” Publicized arrests, he says, puncture that fantasy. “These are serious offenses—you can spend your prime in prison.”

Data scientist and cybersecurity analyst Jimmy Kinyonyi Bagonza says the emotional mechanics of the con are as old as courtship—only faster and more scalable online. “Initiate contact, create rapport, then trust,” he explained. “You start exchanging photos… and it turns to blackmail: ‘If you don’t do this, I will expose you.’” He argues that measuring success only by arrests misses the point. “Waiting to have someone arrested isn’t success. Success is stopping it before it takes place.”

Why do so many people—smart, careful people—still get trapped? Partly because loneliness is patient and compliments are cheap. Partly because the continent’s digital boom, from mobile money to cloud tools, has outrun policy and protection. “Technology is growing fast, but laws and trained personnel are not matching the speed,” Bagonza said. That gap is where deceit thrives: fake courier fees, cloned job offers, perfect-looking investment dashboards, and “urgent” love that moves just fast enough to silence doubt.

The harm isn’t abstract. Victims lose savings and reputations; families splinter under shame. And the supply of perpetrators renews itself. Adedeji calls it an apprenticeship economy of deceit: older hands recruit teens with proof of quick money. “It spreads like apprenticeship,” he said. “Until we create real opportunities, the network grows.” Enforcement matters, but so does a society that makes patience and honest work feel possible.

There are ways to lower the odds. Adedeji’s basics are blunt and helpful: turn on two-factor authentication for every vital account; guard the “primary” keys—your email and phone number; routinely check where your accounts are logged in and revoke unknown sessions; and if you must share access with a contractor or “social media manager,” get ID and a paper trail first. Bagonza’s mantra is skepticism with receipts: “Always second-guess. Expand the email header, hover to see the full link, and be wary of speed—love, jobs, and investments that rush you are telling on themselves.” Even small tells help: an odd character in a web address, a too-fast job “offer,” a payout that doubles in a week.

Love should be a refuge, not a source of revenue. The fix won’t come from handcuffs alone. It will come from visible consequences, relentless public education, more innovative tools that spot patterns before they spread, and real options for young people so “I love you” stops being a business model. As Adedeji put it, “Empower youth and strengthen enforcement.” Bagonza adds the other half: “Deterrence first, then response. If we get that right, the arrests won’t be the headline—the decline will.”

‘Amazon of Africa,’ Jumia Now Targets Rural Nigeria

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By Ndiho Media

This piece appears in Ndiho Media’s African CEO Series. It was published some time ago and recounts how Jumia spearheaded innovations in e-commerce in Africa.
Often described as the “Amazon of Africa,” Jumia has become one of Africa’s most ambitious digital platforms. In its most significant and oldest market, Nigeria, the company broke new frontiers by expanding beyond big cities like Lagos and Abuja to connect rural communities to the digital economy.
“Nigeria was the initial country in which we started,” explained Massimiliano Spalazzi, then CEO of Jumia in Nigeria, in an interview conducted by Ndiho Media before he resigned from the company. “That’s the oldest, it has the largest potential out of all the countries in which we have been operating.”
Jumia built more than a marketplace. It had an ecosystem, including JumiaPay for cashless payments, Jumia Logistics for fulfillment, and Jumia Advertising for partners and merchants. It had more than 260 pickup points throughout Kenya and aimed to provide retail access to rural areas and underserved communities. “We particularly wanted to show our presence in rural areas, to provide retail where there isn’t,” said Spalazzi


One of those initiatives was Jumia Force, a series of private agents who helped consumers without internet connectivity place orders and learn about online shopping. “In case you’re in a village without access to the internet or someone who doesn’t have a telephone, there’s a Jumia Force representative who can order on your behalf. They also educate consumers on how e-commerce works,” he added.
Trustworthiness and affordability made it easy for people to continue patronizing Jumia. “You have a trusted and safe haven here where you can shop. We’re obsessively focused on pricing it just right, shipping being competitive, and you having whatever it is you want as a customer. If not, you can return it as easily as possible,” explained Spalazzi.
Jumia has been a significant driver of employment in Nigeria. The company directly employs hundreds of people and indirectly supports thousands of vendors, logistics providers, and agents in the digital economy. The rapid potential of digital platforms to promote growth and jobs, notably in Nigeria, can be underscored.
Despite having been in Nigeria for over 11 years, Spalazzi explained that Jumia was still in its early days of life. “Although in Nigeria for 11 years, I think it’s still day one. There’s still a lot to build, and still to develop,” he explained.
This overview illustrates how Jumia’s innovation has extended beyond e-commerce. It built trust, created opportunities, and showed how technology could transform communities across Africa’s largest nation.

Africa’s Leapfrog Moment – Embracing AI

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By Ndiho Media

It’s easy to see artificial intelligence (AI) as something out of a science fiction movie. However, it is currently transforming the fundamental aspects of our lives—shaping how we live, learn, and work. For Africa, this moment is not simply about keeping up with the latest trends; it represents a unique opportunity to shape our future on our own terms. It’s about much larger – a chance to leap ahead once again, as we did with the cell phone and mobile money.
I recently spoke with Joshua Opoku Agyemang, of the Ghana STEM Network, who explained AI in a way that has stuck with me. As he saw it, AI is not magic, but rather the science of inventing machines capable of reproducing human thought. “They are not human,” he quickly added. “They are not flesh and blood. But it is a system that has a certain level of intelligence.”
The pros here are staggering. Joshua used a straightforward analogy: think of an AI system that can read thousands of files within a minute or two—the time it would take hundreds of individuals to accomplish. Or consider face recognition, where humans will fail, but AI will identify a thousand faces in zero seconds.
This is the kind of efficiency he believes Africa ought to adopt and not shun. “We’ve done it once. We went from zero landlines to cell phones”. “We went from not banking with traditional banks to Mobile Money. For example, Mpesa in Kenya was a game changer.” He said.  The same types of innovations are now possible to apply to AI, transforming the face of healthcare, education, and even agriculture.
But Joshua is also honest about the danger. “The same software that is in a position to create stellar content is equally able to develop advanced deepfakes. Systematic problem-solvers are similarly able to spread lethal misinformation.”


His concern is about whose information is used to train these AI systems. With the vast majority depending on Western influences, what’s the condition of the hundreds of languages and unique cultural settings in Africa? “Ghana alone has 30 to 50 or so spoken dialects,” he said. If we don’t develop our systems, our voices will be lost in the discussion.
But the good possibility is too large to be ignored. “For example, picture a doctor in a rural town being given an on-the-spot opinion by a specialist in the city. Envision farmers using AI to survey their fields and be able to say definitively when it is best to plant and harvest an abundant crop. Envision classrooms in which each student has an individualized level of education.”
What about the fear that AI will automate our jobs? Joshua considers it a familiar crossroads. “Going from the first industrial revolution to today, every wave of technology has killed some jobs while creating other ones,” he speculated. The solution is not to resist it but to adapt. The workforce of the future will be less about the rigid 9-to-5 and more about individual strengths and value. It’s up to all of us to consider what our careers will look like in five years.
When regulating, he calls for a subtle equilibrium. Rules are necessary—we are still uncovering the full contours of AI, and we require restraints. However, the freedom to innovate must also be maintained. Regulators will need to cooperate with creators while never stopping their own education.
For anyone fearful or even worried about this approaching world, Joshua’s simple mandate is this: become curious. “It’s good to be scared—it’s human nature,” he described. “But fear comes from not knowing.” Through education on these technologies, we will be able to steer them towards positive outcomes and shield ourselves against their destructive possibilities. Autonomous cars, smart cities, advanced robotics—their arrival is imminent. Our choice is whether we watch from the sidelines or create them.
Finally, his vision is very positive. This Africa of his is to utilize these emerging technologies to feed itself, but to feed the globe. “We have the soil and the population and the ideas,” he described. AI is unlikely to cure all our ills tomorrow, but if we plan it with equity and a humanitarian mission, it offers a chance to leapfrog decades of catch-up. That is our time to innovate and pioneer, and not to copy.

Malawi Votes Amid Deepening Economic Crisis

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By Ndiho Media and Lameck Masina in Blantyre

Malawians went to the polls yesterday in a crucial general election that many believe is about more than just politics—it’s about survival. With inflation rising, food prices soaring, and fuel shortages becoming the norm, voters are seeking more than just promises; they want real solutions.
“This election is different,” said Lameck Masina, a freelance journalist based in Blantyre. “People aren’t voting for personalities. They are voting based on issues, especially the economy. It’s about who can really turn things around.”
At the heart of this political showdown are two familiar rivals: incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika. Both men have led the country in the past, and both now claim they can fix the economy.
President Chakwera, who took office in 2020 after a historic court-ordered rerun, is seeking a second term under the Malawi Congress Party banner. He has touted infrastructure projects and reform efforts, but critics point to a worsening economic situation under his leadership.


His challenger, Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party, served from 2014 to 2020. His tenure, although also marked by economic woes, is remembered by some as more stable in terms of financial management. Mutharika is now seeking a political comeback, banking on public frustration with the current administration.
Masina described the contest as “a rematch,” adding, “It’s like people are choosing between three paths: go back to the old system, stick with the current one, or try something completely new.”
Indeed, the ballot features 17 presidential candidates, including another former president, Joyce Banda. But despite the crowded field, the race is centered on Chakwera and Mutharika.
For voters, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “Some people were literally coming from fuel queues to join voting lines,” Masina reported. “It’s queue to queue—fuel to ballot. That’s how deep the crisis runs.”
Malawi’s economy has been hit hard by a combination of global shocks and domestic mismanagement. COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and extreme weather events have all contributed to the situation. But voters aren’t letting leaders off the hook.
“Yes, the president admits global issues have affected Malawi,” said Masina. “But people are saying, ‘We need local solutions, and we’re not seeing them.'”
Corruption is another primary concern. Chakwera once earned praise for appointing an anti-corruption czar known as the “Iron Lady,” but her efforts were reportedly stifled. “When you fight corruption in Malawi, it fights back,” said Masina. “That’s what happened to her.”
Logistical problems at polling stations were minimal but not absent. Some voter verification machines malfunctioned, forcing election officials to revert to manual methods, slowing down the process.
With no clear frontrunner expected to clinch more than 50% of the vote, a runoff seems likely. The Malawi Electoral Commission has eight days to announce official results, but partial returns may begin to emerge within 48 hours.
Regardless of the outcome, Malawians are hoping for more than political change—they’re hoping for economic relief.
“People are tired,” Masina emphasized. “They’ve tried hope before. Now, they want results.”

ASHARA ART EXHIBITION

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Ethiopian Visual Artists Collective Debuts in Alexandria, Virginia

By Paul Ndiho

The Dr. Oswald Durant Center in Alexandria, Virginia, was vibrant from September 5 to 7, 2025, as the collective ARTIST’S ASHARA, comprised of Ethiopian visual artists based in North America and around the world, made its impactful debut.

ASHARA symbolizes heritage and belonging, bringing together more than 30 artists from across the United States, Qatar, and beyond for a weekend of diverse artistic expressions, including painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, photography, and digital art. The show was as much a manifesto as an exhibition, offering a bold celebration of identity, resilience, and unity.

Among those featured was Tessema Temtime, who traveled from Qatar with three new works. “As an Ethiopian and a global artist, it’s my responsibility to empower personalities who inspire the new generation,” he said, explaining that his pieces honor African scientists. “Art is not only for beauty—it has psychotherapy. It restores you. When you live with a painting, it gives you different messages, it relaxes you, it heals you.”

Seattle-based artist Serkalem Makonin shared paintings that reimagine Axumite architecture and the Ge’ez alphabet. “Our alphabet carries deep meaning and wisdom. I want the new generation to know that. These symbols hold knowledge we risk forgetting,” she said, pointing to his depiction of Ethiopia’s ancient history.

Sculptor Daniel Kebede presented photographs and more minor works inspired by traditional Ethiopian household tools. “These items aren’t just tools,” he explained. “They carry stories, songs, and medicine. If they could talk, they would tell the wisdom of our ancestors.”

Organizers say the debut marks only the beginning. “We started with Zoom meetings in late 2024 and now we’re a nonprofit with more than 50 members,” said organizer Mekbib Gebretsadik. “Thirty artists came together for this first show, working like one family. This is just the beginning—we want this to be an annual festival.” His own experimental work, created using only air, gravity, and water, reflected on global warming and the need to heal the natural world.

For me, the highlight came when a local artist based in Silver Spring, Maryland, stopped me, snapped a quick picture, and then painted my portrait within minutes. Watching the lines and colors emerge in real time was unforgettable—it captured the energy of the festival itself, where art wasn’t just displayed but lived, shared, and deeply personal.

Should AI Be Regulated in Africa?

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By Ndiho Media

The rise of artificial intelligence is sparking debates worldwide, and Africa is no exception. Governments, businesses, and citizens are asking whether AI should be regulated—and if so, how it should be regulated. For Gbenga Sesan, executive director of Paradigm Initiative in Lagos, the answer is clear: regulation is necessary, but it must not come from fear or ignorance.
“Regulation has always been a tool to create standards so that society can benefit from any new thing,” Sesan told Ndiho Media. “But you can never regulate something before it starts. If you regulate something before it starts, then you kill it.”
Across the continent, many governments have taken a reactionary approach to new technologies. Nigeria’s ban on cryptocurrency is one example. Citizens quickly found ways around it, and the government eventually introduced its own digital currency. Sesan argues that this approach shows a lack of understanding. “The people who are deploying emerging technologies are still learning. Regulators cannot just come in and ban something they don’t understand.”
Instead, he suggests a four-step process: first, ask what the technology is; second, ask how it benefits people and the economy; third, create standards that build trust instead of seeking control; and finally, provide ways for citizens to seek redress if harm occurs. “If something goes wrong, how do people seek redress? That’s how you build trust,” he said.


Governments often legislate out of fear, using regulations to silence opposition or control citizens. Sesan warns that this approach is dangerous. “Whatever standards you create now to punish others, when you lose elections, those tools will be turned against you. That’s the law of reciprocity.” He believes the solution is openness—public hearings, consultation with experts, and engaging stakeholders, including young people who are already driving innovation.
Africa’s youth are using technology to build startups, create jobs, and attract investment. “Young people are solving the unemployment problem of Africa by using new technology,” Sesan explained. “It’s high time governments listen to them and use regulation to support innovation instead of killing it.”
While fears about AI taking jobs are real, Sesan says history shows the benefits outweigh the losses. Typists lost their jobs when computers arrived, but new opportunities emerged for those who adapted to the latest technology. The same principle applies to AI. “It is true AI will end some jobs, but it will create new ones. The net gain is what matters. Governments must work with citizens to reskill and prepare for this future.”
From precision agriculture to telemedicine and digital classrooms, AI presents Africa with an opportunity to leapfrog into a new era. Sesan believes the continent must embrace this moment with wisdom. “This is a brilliant and bright future. We must learn, embrace, and adapt to change. Regulation should support innovation, not stifle it.”

CAN AI AND BIG DATA DRIVE GROWTH IN AFRICA

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By Ndiho Media

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are no longer buzzwords reserved for Silicon Valley. They’re reshaping industries everywhere—from healthcare and finance to education and agriculture. For the continent of Africa, they represent more than just new technology; they are an opportunity to leapfrog development hurdles and carve out a competitive niche in the global economy. Few people understand this potential better than Dr. Momar Dieng, Dean of the School of Business at the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda. A mathematician by training, with a PhD from the University of California at Davis, Dieng also spends summers lecturing at Harvard University on African politics, election statistics, and quantitative methods. His passion lies in helping Africa harness data and technology to address its most pressing challenges.

Speaking to Ndiho Media, Dieng explained how generative AI is already changing the world. “The emergence of generative AI tools like Bard, from Google, and ChatGPT from OpenAI, backed by companies like Microsoft, has changed the way we think about AI in many ways,” he said. “These tools, especially for young people, are essential to master, as they are going to revolutionize the world and the way we work.”

However, while these tools offer enormous promise, Dieng cautioned that Africa has considerable ground to make up, as most AI systems rely on vast amounts of data. Most of what’s available online originates from Western sources. That leaves African languages, cultures, and knowledge poorly represented. “One of the things where Africa will have to really invest more energy is to make sure that we have more content online,” he noted. “Most African languages are not well represented, which creates a natural bias. We need to document and catalog our indigenous knowledge so it can contribute to the global corpus of knowledge that’s going to find its way into these generative models.”

The challenge, in his view, is not only technical but cultural. Many African societies rely heavily on oral traditions, meaning that vital knowledge in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and history often goes unrecorded. For AI to work for Africa, that must change. Digitizing local languages, encouraging research and publishing, and investing in content creation across disciplines are all crucial steps.

At the same time, the rise of AI is expected to shake up the job market. Some professions may vanish, while others will be completely redefined. Dieng says we should not be worried but prepared. “AI will free people from repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-level, creative work. The key is retraining and upskilling our workforce.” He pointed out that tasks like summarizing information or drafting basic reports—once standard training exercises in schools—are quickly being taken over by machines. The question for African educators is straightforward: what should young people be taught instead?

For Dieng, the answer lies in creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. “We are going into a world where being average is not going to cut it anymore,” he said. “AI models will be able to do everything average before. That’s why innovation and excellence must become the standard.” At the African Leadership University, he and his colleagues are developing programs to prepare students for careers in data science, programming, and AI—fields that will remain essential even as technology continues to evolve.

Policy and regulation, Dieng added, are just as important as education. He pointed to elections as one area where AI could be both transformative and dangerous. Chatbots, for example, can help political parties stay connected to voters at a fraction of the cost of traditional campaigning. But the same tools can also spread misinformation and create realistic deepfakes that threaten democracy. “AI tools are going to revolutionize how politics is done—not just in Africa, but everywhere,” he said. “But we must also guard against risks like disinformation and deepfakes, which could inflame conflicts in fragile societies. Regulation is not optional—it’s essential.”

That regulation, he argued, cannot be left to individual countries alone. Most African states are too small to influence global technology companies independently. “Individual countries are still small markets with limited bargaining power,” he said. “To influence global platforms and technology providers, Africa must speak with one voice through regional or continental frameworks.”

Despite the challenges, Dieng is profoundly optimistic. Africa has the world’s youngest population, a growing talent pool, and an opportunity to leapfrog into the future. “With this fourth industrial revolution, we have a chance to reset the clock,” he said. “Young Africans no longer need to leave the continent to access world-class knowledge. With focus, ambition, and investment in education, we can leapfrog and compete globally. The next 20 to 30 years will be critical—and I strongly believe this century can be Africa’s century.”

Ghana’s Chief Justice Dismissed

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By Ndiho Media

Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has been removed from office, marking the first time a sitting Chief Justice of Ghana has been ousted following a formal investigation. This announcement by the President’s office has sparked a spirited debate across Ghana.
Mrs Torkornoo was suspended in April after three petitions of misconduct were brought against her. A presidential committee, which reviewed over 10,000 pages of evidence, considered “stated misbehavior” and suggested that she be removed. The accusations included misusing public funds for personal trips involving family and meddling in judicial appointments. Mrs Torkornoo has denied all allegations, describing the process as politically motivated.
Recently, Ndiho Media spoke with Justice Akpadie, a civic education expert and a sympathizer of the ruling party, who passionately justified the President’s action.


“This is what the law prescribes. It’s constitutional through and through. If she had any decency, she’d have stepped aside quietly.”
Akpadie dismissed claims of political interference:
“This is part of the President’s agenda to rebalance Ghana. You cannot clean house without involving the judiciary. These are constitutional instruments—not political instruments.”
Critics disagree. Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah warned it sets a “dangerous precedent.” Civil society leaders, such as William Nyarko, argue that the law lacks clarity and needs to be reformed. Torkornoo’s demand for a public trial was also denied. Ghanaians are asking themselves these questions: Is this accountability—or executive overreach?”

Destination Africa U S Deports Foreign Criminals to Rwanda

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By Ndiho Media
Rwanda has received the first group of seven migrants deported from the United States—part of a controversial agreement that could see up to 250 people resettled in Kigali. The Rwandan government confirmed the mid-August arrival but withheld nationalities. Four deportees will remain in Rwanda, while three opted to return to their home countries.
Rights groups warn that deporting people to “third countries” where they have no ties could breach international law, especially if those countries lack strong human rights protections.
Gatebuke’s Warning: “Commodifying Human Beings”

Claude Gatebuke, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and executive director of the African Great Lakes Action Network, told Ndiho Media that Rwanda’s role in such agreements fits a troubling pattern.
“Rwanda has been used as a partner in deals where unwanted migrants or asylum seekers are sent not back to their home countries, but to Rwanda,” he said. Gatebuke called the practice “legalized human trafficking,” arguing that it commodifies people while lining the pockets of Rwanda’s ruling elite.
He pointed to past deals with Israel and the UK that he says left deportees vulnerable to extortion and abuse. “It’s less about humanitarianism and more about money and political protection,” he added.
Szlavik’s Defense: “Not a New Precedent”
Joseph Szlavik, Partner at Scribe Strategies & Advisors and a participant in negotiations, rejects Gatebuke’s characterization.
“This isn’t the first time the United States has deported people to a third host country,” Szlavik told Ndiho Media. “There are preexisting treaties and policies—like ‘Safe Third Nation’ agreements with Canada and Mexico. President Trump is not setting a new precedent here.”
Szlavik stressed that the deportees are not ordinary migrants but “hardened criminals—people convicted of murder, rape, and other serious crimes.” He argues the deal is both lawful and diplomatic: “It demonstrates Africa rising as an international partner and taking part in solution-oriented approaches beyond aid.”
Monda’s Rebuttal: “A Dumping Ground for America’s Rejects”
David O. Monda, a journalist and professor at CUNY–Guttman Community College, disagrees sharply.

“All three countries—Rwanda, South Sudan, and Eswatini—are small, landlocked, and poor, with unstable political systems and human rights concerns,” Monda said. “It’s an elephant-and-ant situation where the U.S. holds all the leverage.”
Monda warned that deporting people with no ties to Africa risks turning the continent into “a dumping ground for America’s rejects.” He pointed out that larger African states such as Kenya and Nigeria have rejected similar proposals, suggesting that the burden falls on nations least able to push back.
The Legal Gray Zone
International law permits transfers to third countries only if the destination is considered safe and individuals can contest their removal. In 2023, the UK’s Supreme Court blocked the UK’s Rwanda plan due to concerns about safety. And here in the U.S., a district court temporarily halted an Africa-bound deportation flight in May, before the Supreme Court allowed it to proceed without ruling whether South Sudan was “safe.”
What This Means for Rwanda—and Africa
Supporters argue that Rwanda is seizing an opportunity to raise its diplomatic profile. Critics say the deal reinforces damaging stereotypes of Africa as a convenient solution for Western problems.
Gatebuke’s bottom line: “Development money does not erase repression. What Africa needs is justice and accountability—not to be treated as a convenient destination for those the West doesn’t want.”
Szlavik sees pragmatic diplomacy. Monda sees exploitation. Rwanda’s role in this debate is likely to shape not only its image, but also Africa’s place in the broader conversation on migration, sovereignty, and human rights.

Shaping the Narrative: Africa’s Debate on AI and Democracy

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Halfway through 2025, it is another critical election year in Africa. At least ten countries, such as Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Malawi, and Tanzania, are scheduled to conduct presidential or general elections. Gabon held its elections in April. While the calendar is lighter than in 2024, when nineteen countries went to the polls, this year will test how new technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), are reshaping African democracy.

Across the continent, AI is quietly making its way into election management and political campaigns. It is being used to register voters, verify identities, analyze data, and detect cyber threats. At the same time, political actors are experimenting with AI to push targeted messages, generate disinformation, and even create deepfakes. The result is a double-edged sword: AI could help elections become more efficient and credible—or undermine trust in already fragile systems.

How AI Is Being Used

There is no single record of how many African countries employ AI in elections, since most adoption happens quietly and varies in scope. But recent studies and reports, including work by Yiaga Africa and International IDEA, point to several notable cases:

  • Nigeria used Automated Fingerprint Identification in 2023 to prevent duplicate registrations and now applies AI to counter cyber threats and misinformation.
  • Ghana introduced facial recognition technology for voter verification in its 2024 elections.
  • Kenya utilized natural language processing under the Umati project in 2022 to monitor online hate speech, while its electoral commission launched WhatsApp chatbots for voter education.
  • South Africa relied on AI for voter verification in the 2024 elections, but campaigns also used it to spread disinformation and deepfakes.
  • Eswatini and Madagascar reported using AI tools for voter authentication and automated chatbots.
  • Senegal sparked controversy after deploying AI in its “parrainage” system to screen presidential aspirants’ endorsements.

Yiaga Africa’s 2024 survey of 22 electoral commissions shows that only a handful are actively experimenting with AI. Most remain cautious, citing high costs, weak regulation, and fears of bias or misuse.

Promise and Risk

AI’s role in elections generally falls into two areas. On one hand, it helps electoral management bodies with voter registration, biometric verification, and detecting fraud or irregularities. On the other hand, political campaigns utilize it to target voters with customized messages—sometimes crossing the line into misinformation or manipulation.

International IDEA notes that AI can make elections more inclusive and transparent, but warns it is not a cure-all. Through its AI for Electoral Actors program, IDEA is collaborating with election officials, civil society organizations, and the media in cities such as Dakar and Johannesburg to enhance literacy and capacity in the use of AI in politics.

Expert Perspectives

For Zeph Shamba, Chairman of the International Political Campaigns Expo, Africa cannot afford to ignore AI.

“Africa doesn’t want to be left out … it’s a wave that’s coming. We can’t avoid it. Gone are the days when a leader was limited in reaching out to voters—AI speeds up processes. But it also poses risks. That’s why we need open, informed debate.”

Cape Town-based campaign strategist Glen Mpani agrees that AI is transforming politics, but highlights the dangers of its misuse.

“Technology is now at the center of all political campaigns. With mobile penetration, citizens can be reached directly on their phones. That changes everything. But if these tools fall into the wrong hands, they spread disinformation. Every tool is both an opportunity and a threat.” Mpani argues that regulation must reflect African realities.”We can’t just copy rules from the West.

Challenges Ahead  

The integration of advanced technologies presents a range of challenges, despite its significant advantages. Throughout Africa, the implementation of these technologies remains quite limited. Several electoral bodies lack sufficient funding to support these systems. Furthermore, there are growing concerns among citizens regarding issues such as privacy breaches, surveillance, and biases in algorithms..Few countries have established regulatory frameworks for AI in elections, and the opacity of some tools raises additional concerns.

Civil society networks, such as Yiaga Africa, AfEONet, and ELOG, are pushing for broader conversations. Supported by the Luminate Group, they convened election officials and observers from 22 countries to weigh opportunities and risks. The consensus is that AI can improve elections, but without transparency and accountability, it may actually deepen mistrust.

Analysts say AI is not a silver bullet. It may help close gaps in voter verification or fraud detection, but it will not solve the structural and political challenges facing African elections. What matters most is how the technology is introduced—fairly, inclusively, and transparently.

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