Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Resilience and Digital Sovereignty: Securing Africa's Digital Transformation in an Evolving Geopolitical Order

                @article{CRSIJ26000442,
                  author = {Alexander Odartey Lamptey},
                  title = {Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Resilience and Digital Sovereignty: Securing Africa's Digital Transformation in an Evolving Geopolitical Order},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2026},
                  volume = {2},
                  number = {2},
                  pages = {698-708},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000442.pdf},
                  abstract = {Rapid advances in mobile technologies, digital financial services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and digital public infrastructure are creating unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, innovation, inclusion, and regional integration. The African Union (AU) recognizes digital transformation as a critical enabler of Agenda 2063 and has adopted several continental frameworks, including the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030), to guide this transition (African Union, 2020). Notwithstanding these opportunities, Africa's digital transformation is unfolding within a progressively volatile geopolitical environment characterized by technological competition, cyber insecurity, and growing concerns regarding digital dependence. Cybercrime, dark web hacking, ransom ware attacks, cyber espionage, digital disinformation campaigns, and attacks on critical national infrastructure are becoming sophisticated and costly daily. According to the International Telecommunication Union (2024), many African countries continue to face significant cyber security readiness gaps despite growing digital connectivity. These vulnerabilities threaten not only economic development but also state sovereignty, institutional legitimacy, and regional stability. Simultaneously, global competition over emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, data governance, and digital infrastructure is transforming international relations. Digital technologies have become strategic assets that influence economic competitiveness, national security, and geopolitical influence. In this context, digital sovereignty has emerged as an essential component of economic sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Digital sovereignty refers to the capacity of states and societies to exercise meaningful control over digital infrastructure, data resources, technological innovation, and governance frameworks. This paper argues that Africa's pursuit of economic sovereignty and geopolitical relevance requires a deliberate focus on three interconnected pillars: artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and digital sovereignty. Artificial intelligence presents opportunities to strengthen cyber security through predictive analytics, threat intelligence, automated response systems, and enhanced situational awareness. Cyber resilience enables institutions to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyber disruptions while maintaining critical functions. Digital sovereignty ensures that African countries retain control over strategic digital assets and technological development pathways.},
                  keywords = {Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Resilience, Digital Sovereignty, Cyber security Governance, Africa},
                  month = {September}
        }