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Africa’s new sovereignty battle is over data. Why Ethiopia wants to lead it

Deputy Ethiopian Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh (right), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (centre) and Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah review a new data system alongside senior government officials. Photo: Abiy Ahmed/X
Deputy Ethiopian Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh (right), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (centre) and Deputy Prime Minister Adem Farah review a new data system alongside senior government officials. Photo: Abiy Ahmed/X

Michael Masrie

Michael Masrie is a journalist covering East Africa’s political economy across politics and policy, global markets, capital, and the digital economy.
  • Ethiopia links AI and data systems directly to state sovereignty
  • Addis signals wider African shift toward digital governance and policy autonomy

 

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – Sovereignty in Africa is no longer being defined only by borders, soldiers, or territorial defence. Increasingly, it is being measured through algorithms, data systems, and digital control.

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