Davos WEF 2025: Minister Nzimande warns AI could become a new ‘form of colonisation’

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Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande. Image credit: GCIS, Canva.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the global landscape, but South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, has issued a light warning at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, that it could introduce “new forms of colonisation.”

Nzimande raised concerns that without proactive measures, AI and other emerging technologies could maintain global inequalities.

Read: Expert explains how design thinking can help SA businesses grow in 2025

‘Digital colonisation’ and global power dynamics

Speaking during an interview with Newzroom Afrika’s Xolani Mbanjwa,  Minister Nzimande highlighted that Artificial Intelligence, while holding great potential for innovation, also poses risks for countries in the Global South if “exploited without consideration for fair governance.”

“If we are left behind, we are going to be recolonized five times more with the kinds of technology that are actually here,” he said.

The minister called for stronger collaboration among developing nations to ensure equitable access to AI benefits.

He spoke on the “stampede of interest” around Artificial Intelligence and how other countries at the WEF were surprised by China’s speed of development.

Technology as a tool for social change

Sharing success stories, Nzimande pointed to innovations like a Ghanaian app empowering 100,000 women hawkers to export handmade goods and a Zambian project reducing maternal mortality with birth kits. He stressed the need for technology to fight poverty and inequality, rather than exacerbating them.

Where is SA in the conversation of EVs

The minister also touched on discussion around electric vehicle supply chains.

“In South Africa, we’re likely to focus on hybrid vehicles as a transition, given our challenges. We’re also working on carbon capture and battery technologies.

“The landscape of electric vehicles is interesting. China is advanced in production, but Europe and the United States aren’t moving as quickly. With President Trump’s reelection, we might see an even slower uptake of electric vehicles,” he said.

South Africa has been proactive in exploring the role of emerging technologies like AI in addressing socio-economic challenges. Through partnerships with academic institutions and international organisations, the country is working to position itself as a player in the global tech landscape.

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Devina Haripersad Business Journalist
Devina is a passionate journalist covering the business beat, with a knack for uncovering the story behind the numbers. When she’s not exploring the latest developments in business and politics, Devina unwinds with long cardio sessions and sharing memes with friends who don't always get her dark sense of humour.

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