Digital Disruption, Colonial Hangover, and Law in Africa

In the digital era, many African countries sit at a crossroads of potential futures shaped by digital-era technologies in contexts of existing laws and institutions constructed under conditions of colonial and postcolonial authoritarian rule. Patterns of domination established during colonialism continue to play an important role globally as well as within many former colonies, including those in Africa. External actors that play a role in such relationships include governments, international organizations, NGOs, and digital economy companies.This lecture will discuss how legal frameworks and patterns of relationships established during colonialism continue to shape the spread of AI and other digital era technologies in African contexts. It will discuss ways that true decolonization of law will require institutional and other changes that continue to be elusive in many African contexts. With a focus on Nigeria, this lecture will draw attention to three key aspects of the intersection of law and digital technologies in African contexts today: 1) Digital technologies, law, and colonial hangover; 2) Disruption, crisis, and trust; and 3) Digital technologies, law, and development.