Why Africa Should Lead on Governing Global Tech Giants

Speaker: Andrew Heffernan

February 23, 2026

Why Africa Should Lead on Governing Global Tech Giants

Africa stands at a critical juncture in its digital evolution. As big tech platforms deepen their reach across the continent, questions of data sovereignty, fair taxation and digital colonialism have moved from the margins to the centre of policy debates. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa aren’t waiting for solutions to arrive — they’re crafting them, pushing back against exploitative practices and demanding that tech giants pay their fair share while respecting local data rights and regulations.

What makes Africa’s approach particularly promising is its potential for continental collaboration. With the world’s fastest-growing population and some of its most dynamic economies, African nations have both the leverage and the opportunity to reshape the global digital order. This isn’t just about protecting African consumers — it’s about leading a new model of tech governance that prioritizes fairness, sovereignty and shared prosperity. When Africa's nations work together, they don’t just challenge big tech’s dominance — they chart a path the rest of the world can follow.

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