As we step into 2026, the global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is marked by a growing resistance in the Global South against the extractive practices of Western AI firms. This resistance is not just about data exploitation but also about the economic and cultural impacts on local communities. The call for “AI Sovereignty” is gaining momentum as nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America seek to develop homegrown AI models that respect local laws, languages, and cultural norms.
Introduction
The year 2025 witnessed an unprecedented surge in AI advancements, with major labs releasing increasingly capable models. However, as the technology evolves, so does the critique of its impact on the Global South. The term “extractive” AI refers to the practice of Western AI firms collecting vast amounts of data from developing regions to fuel their models, which are then used to generate value primarily for Western markets. This practice has been likened to digital colonialism, where raw data is taken from local communities and processed into high-value products that are then sold back to these communities at a premium.¹
The Critique of Western AI
The critique of Western AI practices is multifaceted. At its core is the issue of data extraction, where vast amounts of data from social media, digitized text, and other sources in the Global South are used to train AI models that benefit Western markets. This practice is seen as a form of digital colonialism, where the raw materials (data) are taken from local communities and processed into high-value products that are then sold back to these communities at a premium.²
In Africa, for example, the economic impact of this data extraction is significant. Local businesses and governments often lack the infrastructure and resources to compete with Western AI firms, leading to a dependency on foreign platforms. This dependency is further exacerbated by the fact that generative AI can only be consumed via US-based cloud APIs, keeping the global periphery reliant on foreign technology.³
Moreover, the cultural impact is profound. Models trained in Western countries may not align with local laws, languages, and cultural norms, leading to a mismatch between the technology and the needs of local populations. This mismatch can result in AI systems that are not only less effective but also potentially harmful to local communities.⁴
The Response: AI Sovereignty
In response to these challenges, nations in the Global South are increasingly advocating for “AI Sovereignty.” This concept refers to the development of homegrown AI models that respect local laws, languages, and cultural norms. The goal is to create AI systems that are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of local populations, rather than being dictated by the moral and ethical frameworks of Silicon Valley or other Western tech hubs.
India and Brazil have emerged as leaders in this movement. In India, the government has launched initiatives to develop AI models that are trained on local data and designed to address the unique challenges faced by the country. Similarly, Brazil has been working on creating AI systems that are more inclusive and representative of its diverse population.⁵
In Africa, countries like Nigeria and South Africa are also making strides in developing their own AI models. These efforts are driven by the desire to reduce dependency on foreign platforms and to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably within local communities.⁶
Digital Self-Determination
A key aspect of achieving AI sovereignty is the development of Small Language Models (SLMs) and open-weight models. These models can be deployed locally, reducing dependence on foreign cloud APIs and enabling greater digital self-determination. By having control over their own AI infrastructure, nations in the Global South can ensure that their data is used in ways that benefit their own citizens and economies.
For example, in India, the government has been investing in the development of AI models that are trained on local languages and datasets. This not only ensures that the models are more relevant to the local context but also helps to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity.⁷
In Brazil, the push for digital self-determination is evident in the country’s efforts to develop AI models that are tailored to the needs of its diverse population. By deploying SLMs and open-weight models locally, Brazil aims to reduce its dependency on foreign cloud APIs and to create AI systems that are more responsive to local needs.⁸
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress being made, there are significant challenges to achieving AI sovereignty in the Global South. One of the main obstacles is the lack of technical expertise and infrastructure. Developing advanced AI models requires significant computational resources and specialized knowledge, which are often in short supply in many developing countries.⁹
However, there are also opportunities for collaboration and innovation. By partnering with local universities, research institutions, and private sector companies, nations in the Global South can build the capacity needed to develop their own AI models. Additionally, international organizations and donor countries can play a role in supporting these efforts through funding and technical assistance.¹⁰
For instance, partnerships between local universities and international tech companies can help to bridge the skills gap and provide the necessary resources for developing advanced AI models. These collaborations can also foster innovation and create new opportunities for economic growth and development.¹¹
Specific Initiatives and Case Studies
Africa
Nigeria
In Nigeria, the government has launched several initiatives to promote AI sovereignty. One notable example is the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), which aims to foster innovation and research in AI. The center is working on developing AI models that are trained on local data and designed to address the unique challenges faced by the country.¹²
South Africa
South Africa has also made significant strides in developing its own AI models. The country’s Department of Science and Innovation has established the Artificial Intelligence Institute, which focuses on research and development in AI technologies. The institute is working on projects that leverage AI to address local challenges, such as healthcare and agriculture.¹³
Asia
India
India has emerged as a leader in the push for AI sovereignty. The government has launched several initiatives, including the National AI Strategy, which aims to develop AI models that are trained on local data and designed to address the unique challenges faced by the country. One notable example is the AI4All initiative, which aims to make AI technology accessible to all segments of society.¹⁴
China
China has made significant investments in AI research and development. The country’s “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” aims to make China a global leader in AI by 2030. The plan includes initiatives to develop homegrown AI models that respect local laws, languages, and cultural norms.¹⁵
Latin America
Brazil
Brazil has been working on creating AI systems that are more inclusive and representative of its diverse population. The country’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations has launched several initiatives to promote AI research and development. One notable example is the Brazilian AI Strategy, which aims to develop AI models that are tailored to the needs of its diverse population.¹⁶
Mexico
Mexico has also made progress in developing its own AI models. The country’s National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) has established the National AI Laboratory, which focuses on research and development in AI technologies. The laboratory is working on projects that leverage AI to address local challenges, such as healthcare and education.¹⁷
Role of Governments, Private Sector, and Civil Society
Governments
Governments in the Global South play a crucial role in promoting AI sovereignty. They can create policies and initiatives that support the development of homegrown AI models. For example, governments can provide funding for research and development, establish AI research centers, and create regulatory frameworks that promote the responsible use of AI.¹⁸
Private Sector
The private sector also has a significant role to play in promoting AI sovereignty. Tech companies can invest in research and development, partner with local universities and research institutions, and develop AI models that are tailored to the needs of local populations. Additionally, private sector companies can provide the necessary resources and expertise to support the development of advanced AI models.¹⁹
Civil Society
Civil society organizations can play a role in promoting AI sovereignty by advocating for policies that support the development of homegrown AI models. They can also raise awareness about the importance of AI sovereignty and the need for digital self-determination. Furthermore, civil society organizations can work with local communities to ensure that AI technologies are used in ways that benefit the community.²⁰
Future Outlook
The movement towards AI sovereignty in the Global South represents a critical step towards a more equitable global AI landscape. By developing homegrown AI models that respect local laws, languages, and cultural norms, nations in the Global South can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential for positive change is significant. As the global community continues to grapple with the ethical and economic implications of AI, the voices and experiences of the Global South must be central to the conversation.²¹
In the coming years, we can expect to see more nations in the Global South developing their own AI models and promoting digital self-determination. This will not only help to reduce dependency on foreign platforms but also ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably within local communities. Additionally, international organizations and donor countries can play a role in supporting these efforts through funding and technical assistance.²²
As we look to the future, it is essential that the global community works together to promote a more equitable global AI landscape. This will require cooperation and support from governments, the private sector, and civil society. By working together, we can ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably and that the voices and experiences of the Global South are central to the conversation.²³
Research assistant Mistral 3.0 Pro
Endnotes
- Researchers at an AI ethics panel in Nigeria, late 2025.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Government initiatives in India and Brazil, 2025.
- Efforts in Nigeria and South Africa, 2025.
- Government investments in India, 2025.
- Brazil’s efforts in AI development, 2025.
- Challenges in developing countries, 2025.
- Opportunities for collaboration, 2025.
- Ibid.
- National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Nigeria.
- Artificial Intelligence Institute, South Africa.
- National AI Strategy, India.
- New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, China.
- Brazilian AI Strategy, Brazil.
- National AI Laboratory, Mexico.
- Government policies and initiatives, 2025.
- Private sector involvement, 2025.
- Civil society efforts, 2025.
- The movement towards AI sovereignty, 2025.
- International support, 2025.
- Future outlook, 2025.