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ABSTRACT
Technological advancement within the global system has shaped the digital economy, where data
serves as a new form of capital that shapes governance in political systems. However, on the
African continent, the promise of data development is shadowed by its dependence on digital
infrastructures from the Global North. Therefore, this study is to examine the phenomenon of
digital colonialism within the African system, where external giants make a profit from the data
that is beyond the reach of local regulation.

Also, this study will be grounded in the principles of political economy and postcolonial theory
to explore the implications of these power imbalances on national development and
technological autonomy. Using Nigeria as a case study, this study will employ a qualitative
research design and conduct a document analysis of Nigeria’s data governance frameworks,
utilizing the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and also employ a thematic analysis to
examine the policy gaps as it affects the country’s ability to harness data for innovation.
Finally, this study proposes a policy roadmap that will balance the demands of digital innovation
in the country with the imperatives of sovereignty, ethical governance, and inclusive growth.
Emphasis will be placed on data localization strategies, regional cooperation through the African
Union, and the promotion of homegrown intelligent systems capable of serving African realities.

Keyword: Data Sovereignty, Colonialism, Governance, Political Economy of Data, Data
Localization