Hype and Western Values Are Shaping AI Reporting in Africa: What Needs to Change
News media play a crucial role in shaping how the public views artificial intelligence (AI) and how society engages with this technology. For many people in Africa, media is often the main source of information about AI, especially for those who do not seek knowledge from other channels. This is significant because Africa’s unique historical and socioeconomic context—such as colonial legacies and uneven technology transfer—affects how AI is perceived and adopted.
How African media frame AI stories influences public discourse and can impact everything from policy decisions to investment priorities. A recent analysis of 724 AI news articles from 26 English-speaking African countries, published between June 2022 and December 2023, reveals important patterns in how AI is reported.
Where and How AI Is Covered
The majority of AI articles (36%) appeared in technology sections, followed by general news (24%) and business sections (19%). This placement reflects a focus on AI as a practical tool for solving problems and creating economic opportunities. However, broader social and ethical issues—such as the impact on employment, inequality, and cultural values—receive little attention.
Interestingly, African journalists and media outlets contributed about 29% of AI articles. Western-based news agencies and journalists still hold significant influence, with agencies like AFP (15%) and Reuters (6%) frequently providing content. Tech-focused providers contributed 13%, while researchers authored only 4% of the articles. This limited presence of local AI experts suggests that the African perspective is often muted in public AI conversations.
Language and Themes in AI Reporting
The vocabulary used in these articles highlights dominant players in AI like Google, Microsoft, and ChatGPT, pointing to the influence of Western tech giants. Pronouns such as “he” and “his” appeared frequently, revealing a male-centric bias. Terms specific to Africa, like “African” or “Africa,” were scarce, indicating that coverage rarely addresses the continent’s unique challenges or opportunities in AI.
Three main themes emerged in the reporting:
- Transformative potential: Highlighting AI’s promise in agriculture, healthcare, administration, and economic growth.
- Concerns and uncertainties: Discussing AI’s possible negative effects and unpredictable nature.
- Balanced perspectives: Offering demystified explanations and practical information about AI tools and developments.
Implications for Africa
The focus on technical and economic benefits, often presented through Western viewpoints, risks steering policy decisions toward adopting AI without sufficient local input or ethical oversight. This approach can lead to policies influenced more by global hype than by the specific needs of African communities.
By emphasizing AI as a “tool” or “solution,” media coverage may overlook deeper impacts on employment, social inequality, and cultural values. The lack of Afrocentric language contributes to a symbolic exclusion that sidelines Africa’s growing AI ecosystem.
Building a More Inclusive AI Narrative
For AI journalism in Africa to be more responsible and relevant, greater support is needed for African journalists and researchers to report on and analyze AI. Expanding the range of voices to include local experts, policymakers, and affected communities will provide a fuller picture of AI’s impact.
Balancing coverage of AI’s economic potential with sustained attention to social, cultural, and ethical issues will help create a richer, more grounded conversation. African media have the opportunity to move beyond hype and foster an AI dialogue that truly reflects local realities and priorities.
For professionals in PR and communications looking to deepen their knowledge of AI and its implications, exploring tailored educational resources can be valuable. Check out Complete AI Training for courses that cover AI tools, ethical considerations, and practical applications relevant to different industries.
Your membership also unlocks:
