Eroding democracy through digitalization, exporting repressive digital technologies to African states

Abstract

The article aims to examine the export of repressive digital technologies to Africa, as China gained a leading role qua main supplier of digital infrastructure and systems in the region. Leveraging the BRI and DSR projects, Beijing has sought to strengthen its influence in African countries, especially in the ICT sector. Relying on enterprises linked to the state, China has exported its model of digital authoritarianism along with repressive technologies that have facilitated the undermining of democracy. The study focuses on digital technologies exported both by China and Western states, the infrastructure development of 4G and 5G networks, internet traffic control systems, as well as the dissemination of Chinese approaches to cyberspace governance. The main recommendations are about the need for policies that focus on protecting human rights and internet freedoms, pursuing digital transformation whilst ensuring cybersecurity and a democratic cyber governance, as well as restricting the export of repressive-enabling technologies to non-democratic countries.