ISSUE 62


ICT investments: Africa waits to see the money
US-China ICT investments: implications for Africa’s socioeconomic development
How the contest for global digital hegemony impacts Africa
How the contest for global digital hegemony impacts Africa
The battle for hearts and minds
The United States and China have engaged in intense geopolitical competition in Africa since the turn of the millennium, which has seen tons of ink spilt in the media on this matter, as well as on intellectual and academic platforms. But what is often not appreciated is the increasing sophistication of the battle between the […]
Sovereignty and digital transformation in Africa
A great power competition has returned to centre-stage of the geopolitical landscape between the US and an emerging China. Constant technological advancement and global connectivity in the digital space are critical in shaping the outcome of this competition, ultimately determining the modern international order. Africa has an urgent need for infrastructure development. Infrastructure is vital […]
The internet war in Africa
Technology decoupling amounts to a separation between technologies originating in the US and China. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has noted that the “US-China technology divide could cause more havoc than the Cold War”.
Big-spending China woos Africa with its BRI and DSR
The landscape of foreign aid in Africa has shifted from being strategically western dominated, specifically by the United States, to China, emerging as one of the leading countries providing aid to the continent, especially in technology infrastructure.
Wired Africa now Zooms into China and US
Government-instituted regulations restricting physical contact and movement to combat the Covid-19 pandemic dramatically spurred the use of digital diplomacy in Africa, using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS). This gave digital technologies a prominent role in the conduct, management, and administration of foreign relations. While there is a growing focus on African conceptual-cum-empirical studies and commentary […]
Opportunities for US-China digital technology cooperation
Digital technologies are playing an increasingly significant role for governments, non-governmental organisations and other civil society institutions that are relying on mobile communications.
China expands its digital sovereignty to Africa
Many African countries desperate for digital infrastructure to transform their economies, their governments continue to work with Chinese technology firms, despite concerns about security risks.
ICT investments: Africa waits to see the money
US-China ICT investments: implications for Africa’s socioeconomic development
How the contest for global digital hegemony impacts Africa
How the contest for global digital hegemony impacts Africa
The battle for hearts and minds
The United States and China have engaged in intense geopolitical competition in Africa since the turn of the millennium, which has seen tons of ink...
Sovereignty and digital transformation in Africa
A great power competition has returned to centre-stage of the geopolitical landscape between the US and an emerging China. Constant technological...
Value of Chinese ICT and machine exports to Africa (2015-2020)
‘Good’ surveillance in Africa – Chinese or US technology?
The name “China” in Africa’s ICT and digital tech narratives in today’s language often evokes a counter-intelligence nightmare for both African governments and the United States (US). The accusation emerges from the unclear, or at least suspicious, intentions that continue to puzzle most...
Technologies, a higher education for Africa
How are universities in Africa linked – and how are they responding – to unfolding US-China technologies competition? You have read all of your free articles, to continue reading simply register to claim your complimentary three-day all-access pass. Registration is quick and free You can claim...
BOOK REVIEWS

A theatre for competition
Book Review: The Political Economy of China-US relations: Digital Futures and African Agency, by Mzukisi Qobo This book is a timely and important read which shines the spotlight on many contemporary challenges affecting Africa’s political economy. It is an informed and thorough account of the past, present, and future issues informing Africa’s geostrategic policy dilemmas. The main value of the analysis is the holistic approach it provides, which offers an important framework from which to assess global power competition – from an African perspective. The author extensively covers the genesis of current global power dynamics and explains why the African continent remains confined to the periphery of world affairs. In addition to providing a comprehensive account of the drivers that shaped the Westphalian liberal world order following World War 2, the author uses the prism of race to offer a unique and much-needed perspective on why...
