This special track aligns with the scope of the Data for Policy 2024 conference. It offers original contributions to understanding the relationship between data governance and policy by exploring diverse African perspectives on ethics and policy innovations. Submissions in this track could potentially be published as a special collection in the Data & Policy journal.

Collectively, the proposed papers for this track will highlight the regulatory and governance gaps, and propose that these gaps be filled by ethical frameworks grounded in sub-Saharan ethics. At the moment, some contributions have been received and we are open for new submissions that address one of the themes of the special track. The authors to be featured in this proposed special track are African scholars, thinkers and technologists researching on AI ethics, data governance and policy. As their work is under-represented in Western publications in these fields, this conference offers an opportunity for Data and Policy to expand its African authorship.

The possibility of a special collection (as a product of the conference) written by African authors, focusing on African issues and addressing African problems related to AI and data is of significance for decision-makers, both on the African Continent and more widely. This unique track could provide a platform for African voices to contribute to the global discourse on AI, data and governance, raising visibility around the specific challenges and opportunities and ensuring that they are properly understood and addressed not just at local levels, but within international forums as well.

There are a number of cross-cutting themes to be explored through the special track would include:

1. African Context and Local Perspectives: Papers would emphasise the importance of understanding diverse and unique African contexts when formulating AI and data policies and frameworks on the continent. They shed light on the cultural, social, and economic factors specific to Africa that influence the adoption and impact of AI technologies.

2. Digital Inclusion and Gender Equality: Proposed papers in this track would investigate efforts to bridge the digital divide in Africa, including policies promoting internet access, digital literacy, and equitable technology distribution. Other papers shed light on the challenges and opportunities for women’s participation in the digital economy and highlight the importance of addressing gender disparities in AI development and deployment.

3. Policy Approaches and Comparative Analysis: Papers will highlight the value of comparative analysis of policy approaches to data and AI, not just between African countries, but between the African Continent and the West, whose perspectives and value-systems have largely dominated in global debates and decision-making on AI ethics and policy.

4. Infrastructure and Digital Colonialism: The concept of digital colonialism has arisen in recent times to name the new forms of oppression and extraction involved in digitisation processes and their effects (see, for example, Kwet 2021). In this Special track, papers will explore the implications of external actors controlling Africa’s digital infrastructure and the need for African agency and ownership in shaping the digital future of the continent.

5. Data Governance, Regulation and Tools: Papers will explore the evolving landscape of data governance and regulations in African countries, including data protection laws, privacy concerns, and their impact on technology adoption. Additionally, papers would explore data governance frameworks and the technology tools employed to enforce data policies, ensure data quality, and maintain compliance with regulations.

6. Data for Development, Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Papers will assess how data-driven policies are being used to drive economic development, agriculture, education, and other key sectors across the continent. It would also explore policies and strategies to enhance cybersecurity and protect sensitive data in an increasingly connected digital landscape.

7. Open Data Initiatives and AI for Social Good: Explore the impact of open data initiatives on transparency, governance, and innovation in African countries, along with challenges and best practices. Highlight initiatives that leverage AI and data for social impact, including addressing issues like poverty, climate change, and humanitarian crises.

8. Capacity Building, Education and Data Privacy Awareness: Examine programs and policies aimed at building local expertise in data science, AI, and related fields, including efforts to develop talent and research capabilities. Assess the level of data privacy awareness among African citizens and the role of policy in fostering responsible data practices.

9. Cross-Border Data Flow, E-Government and Digital Transformation: Explore the challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border data flow and regional data integration in Africa. Examine efforts to digitize government services, enhance public sector efficiency, and engage citizens through e-government initiatives.

10. Blockchain for Data Governance: Investigate the use of blockchain technology as a means to enhance data governance, data security, and data integrity, particularly in industries like finance, supply chain, and healthcare in African countries. Analyze the impact and challenges of blockchain adoption in the region