The following article is authored by Bitange Ndemo.

• Rapid digitalization, fueled/driven by data monetization practices, has exacerbated significant disparities in the Global North-South divide, fostering 'digital colonialism' and amplifying regional inequalities.
• Empower the Global South through international initiatives to ensure data ownership, develop infrastructure, promote North-South knowledge sharing, and adhere to ethical practices of data harvesting and monetization.
• Strengthen global governance mechanisms by engaging in international dialogue at forums to facilitate efforts for balanced digital economy development.

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The rapid proliferation of digitalisation has sparked significant disparities between the Global North and the Global South, a phenomenon that raises concerns despite its undeniable advantages. The Global North's dominance in the digital sphere, propelled by the fourth industrial revolution (Schwab, 2016), has led to monopolistic practices in data monetisation. The ensuing digital economy is characterised by either platform capitalism, in which platform businesses play dominant roles in economic transactions (Srnicek, 2017), or surveillance capitalism, in which businesses collect exhaustive user data to influence behaviours – often without the user’s complete knowledge or consent (Zuboff, 2019). Concerning the Global South, the one-sided dynamics of data exploitation exacerbate existing regional inequalities, fostering dependency, and prompting discussions of ‘digital colonialism’, highlighting the sense of plunder, dependence and unequal exchanges that require urgent attention and action (Leterme, 2020).

The rise of digital data has transformed social and economic circumstances, leading to four critical applications. Firstly, data enables businesses and organisations in the Global North to optimise processes and refine offerings by analysing user behaviour and preferences, resulting in heightened competitiveness and economic gains (Leterme, 2020; O'Neil, 2016). Secondly, data facilitates precise predictions about individual and collective behaviour, offering a competitive edge in economic and political arenas (Zuboff, 2019). Moreover, data plays a pivotal role in advancing artificial intelligence, particularly in deep learning, where extensive datasets are employed to train and enhance AI models, thereby boosting productivity in the Global North (OECD, 2021). Additionally, data has gained substantial exchange value, allowing individuals and organisations to monetise its insights and applications by sharing it with others seeking similar benefits (OECD, 2021).

The utilisation of data, therefore, is disproportionately skewed towards the Global North, further entrenching power imbalances with the Global South. To address this issue, it is essential to align data governance policies in Africa with global standards and best practices. Ndemo and Thegeya (2023) propose a comprehensive organisational framework (see Figure 1) for data governance encompassing various dimensions. The framework will necessitate and create the right incentives for institutions and stakeholders to generate, safeguard, and share data, along with establishing the essential infrastructure and institutions for effective operation.

Key dimensions include stakeholders (households, private sector, government, and civil society), data lifecycle management, data typology, and data governance pillars. Stakeholders play vital roles: households and the private sector are significant data producers and consumers, while government and civil society are crucial for data protection and regulation. Governments formulate policies and regulations, while civil society ensures accountability. The data lifecycle involves data creation to destruction or reuse, which must be integrated into the governance framework for optimal data utilisation. Data typology considers the specific characteristics of different data types. The governance structure relies on crucial pillars, including the establishment of standards, a clear legal and regulatory framework, and a compelling economic environment.

The proposal enhances the African Union’s 2022 Data Policy Framework, recognising the right incentives for institutions and stakeholders to generate, safeguard, and share data and encourages collaborations, a critical component for building capacities in the Global South.

Considering the ever-evolving nature of the data-driven digital economy, UNCTAD’s 2021 report emphasises that all countries, whether in the Global North or Global South, must continuously reassess their policy choices regarding cross-border data flows. This approach aims to strike a balance between fostering domestic economic growth, safeguarding critical public policy interests and promoting an integrated global digital ecosystem. As a result, the report suggests that a global policy framework or instrument on cross-border data flows could serve as a valuable guide, enhancing alignment between national regulatory frameworks and bolstering trust, connectivity and interoperability across the world's digital infrastructure.

To adequately bridge the digital divide, efforts must address gaps in connectivity, infrastructure, digitalisation, regulatory frameworks, digital literacy and gender inequalities.

In conclusion, the rapid expansion of digitalisation has undeniably reshaped our global landscape, introducing unprecedented opportunities and deep-seated disparities. The dominance of the Global North in the digital realm, driven by data monetisation practices, has amplified existing regional inequalities, raising urgent concerns about ethics and equity. Addressing these challenges necessitates a concerted effort to align data governance policies, empower the Global South, and foster international cooperation. Furthermore, continuous policy adaptation and developing a global framework for cross-border data flows are imperative to balance economic growth, public policy interests and global digital integration. Bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusivity and upholding ethical standards are paramount in ensuring a more equitable and interconnected digital future that benefits all humanity.

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References

African Union (2022) AU Data Policy Framework.

Callo-Müller, M, V., & Kugler, K. (2023)  Symposium on Digital Trade, Development and International Law. https://www.chatpdf.com/c/rT185UZgghlZsoSnpw6XQ

Carvalho, L.N. and Rossini, C.G. (2020) Big data and data science capacity building for development in the Global South, Journal of Big Data, 7(1), pp. 1-14.

Leterme, C. (2020) New North-South issues in the Digital Economy, Centre tricontinental. Available at: https://www.cetri.be/New-North-South-issues-in-the?lang=fr (Accessed: 06 June 2023). 

Ndemo, B., Thegeya, A. (2023) A Prototype Data Governance Framework for Africa in Ndemo, B., Ndung’u, N., Odhiambo, S., Omolo, M., Shimeles A. (2023) Data Governance and Policy in Africa: Towards a Sounder Data Ecosystem. file:///C:/Users/bndem/Downloads/978-3-031-24498-8%20(3).pdf.

Ntloko-Gobodo, P. and Dlodlo, N. (2019) Data ownership and the challenges of big data in the Global South. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 11(4),     pp. 457-465.

OECD (2021) Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and big data in Finance, OECD. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/finance/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-big-data-in-finance.htm (Accessed: 06 June 2023). 

O'Neil, C. (2016) Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. New York City: Broadway Books.

Schwab, K. (2016) The Fourth Industrial Revolution. Geneva: World Economic Forum. 

Srnicek, N. (2018) Platform Capitalism. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Taylor, L., Floridi, L. and van der Sloot, B. (2017) Group Privacy: New Challenges of Data Technologies. Philosophy & Technology, 30(3), pp. 307-312.

UNCTAD (2021) Digital Economy Report. Cross-border data flows and development: For whom the data flow. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/der2021_en.pdf

UNESCO (2021) Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. file:///H:/My%20Drive/Ndemo/Unesco%20on%20Data%20Governance.pdf

Zuboff, S. (2019) The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power. London: Profile Books. 

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Bitange Ndemo is Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium and a former Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Nairobi. He has over 30 years of experience in business and government, advocating for the use of emerging technologies for development in Africa

The facts, ideas and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO or any of its partners and stakeholders and do not commit nor imply any responsibility thereof. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this piece do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.