5 Ways AI is Boosting Citizen Engagement in Africa’s Democracies

Written by Peter Agbesi Adivor

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing democratic participation across Africa. From campaigning to voter education, AI is transforming electoral processes across the continent. While concerns about misinformation and government overreach persist, AI also offers promising avenues to enhance citizen engagement. This article explores five key ways AI is fostering more inclusive and participatory democracies in Africa.

1. AI-Powered Voter Education and Campaign

AI-driven platforms are revolutionizing voter education by providing accessible, real-time information. These platforms ensure citizens receive standardized electoral information delivered to them on their digital devices regardless of their geographical location, significantly reducing the cost for political actors as well as state and non-state actors who focus on voter education. They also ensure that those who can navigate these tools easily access the needed information, allowing authorities to focus limited resources on citizens on the other side of the digital divide.

 In Nigeria, ChatVE developed CitiBot, an AI-powered chatbot deployed during the 2024 Edo State elections to educate citizens on their civic rights and responsibilities via WhatsApp and Telegram. The bot offered information on voting procedures, eligibility, and the importance of participation.

Similarly, in South Africa, the Rivonia Circle introduced Thoko the Bot, an AI chatbot designed to answer voters' questions about the electoral process, including where and how to vote, and the significance of participating in elections.

These AI tools enhance voter understanding and engagement by providing personalized, easily accessible information, thereby encouraging greater participation in democratic processes.

2. Electoral Transparency through AI-Driven Data Analysis

AI tools are instrumental in analyzing electoral data to detect anomalies and promote transparency and many of these solutions have been in use long before the recent AI buzz. In Nigeria's 2019 elections, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System identified duplicate registrations, bolstering voter roll accuracy. Ghana also deployed facial recognition systems in its 2020 elections while, Kenya's 2022 Umati project utilized natural language processing to monitor social media for hate speech, contributing to a more transparent electoral environment. These applications of AI have contributed to more transparent and credible elections by identifying and addressing irregularities and harmful content in real-time.

3. Combating Disinformation and Promoting Credible Information

While AI has become a catalyst for the production and promotion of information disorder (misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation), it is also serving as an antidote to this problem. AI plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating the spread of disinformation. During Ghana’s 2024 general election, Penplusbytes’ AI-powered Disinformation Detection Platform (DDP) was deployed to track, collect and analyze social media disinformation in real time. Working with the Ghana Fact-Checking Coalition and the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), disinformation posts flagged by the platform were verified and debunked to sanitize the information environment during the election. On the day of the election, the DDP flagged close to 1900 election-related incidents and 38 disinformation incidents on X (formerly Twitter) alone.

In Nigeria, fact-checkers also utilized Full Fact's AI tools to monitor and counteract misinformation, enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.

4. Empowering Marginalized Voices through Adaptive Technologies

AI technologies are being tailored to address participation gaps among marginalized communities. AI-powered tools like text-to-speech and language translation services are breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities and those in rural areas. Google's Project Relate in Ghana exemplifies efforts to enhance communication for individuals with speech impairments, fostering greater inclusion in democratic processes. Communication barriers have long hindered people with disabilities’ (PWDs’) engagement in civic life. Innovations like "DeafCanTalk," an AI-powered app developed in Ghana, are addressing these communication barriers by translating sign language into spoken language and vice versa. This tool has improved educational outcomes and social interactions for over 10,000 deaf users, facilitating their active participation in community and democratic activities.

5. Digital Inclusion and Protection for Women

Although some level of progress is being made, women are still left behind when it comes to participation in democratic spaces in many parts of Africa. However, with technologies like AI, the playing field can be incrementally leveled. This is already happening in countries like Uganda where organizations like the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) are utilizing AI chatbots to combat online gender-based violence and promote digital literacy through. By developing AI-powered chatbots and educational materials, they provide support and information to women navigating online spaces.

Conclusion

AI is progressively becoming a catalyst for enhanced citizen engagement in Africa's democracies. By improving voter education, ensuring electoral transparency, combating disinformation, facilitating civic participation, and empowering marginalized communities, AI holds the potential to strengthen democratic processes. However, it is important to address risks such as algorithmic bias, disinformation, privacy concerns, and the unequal distribution of digital infrastructure and to ensure that AI applications are developed and implemented in ways that uphold democratic values and human rights.