International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The increasing intersection between Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and digital technologies presents both opportunities and challenges in knowledge preservation and marginalisation. This issue is rooted in global power dynamics and the influence of technological advancements on knowledge representation.
Objective: This study explored the politics of Indigenous knowledge in the digital age, focusing on the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data in shaping how Indigenous knowledge is documented, disseminated and controlled. The study is grounded in the Dependency Theory and the Technological Determinism Theory, which provide insights into these influencing factors.
Method: Using the library research method, this study examined existing literature on digital knowledge systems, Indigenous epistemologies, and the socio-political implications of AI-driven data management.
Result: The findings suggest that while digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for preserving Indigenous knowledge, they also reinforce systemic marginalisation by favoring dominant knowledge frameworks and restricting Indigenous communities’ control over their intellectual heritage. Additionally, AI and Big Data-driven systems often lack cultural sensitivity, leading to misrepresentation and exploitation.
Conclusion: The study concludes that navigating the politics of Indigenous knowledge in the digital era requires a critical balance between technological advancement and respect for cultural autonomy.
Unique Contribution: The study argues for a more inclusive digital ecosystem that recognises Indigenous knowledge as a legitimate form of intellectual capital, providing a critical framework for assessing technological impacts in this domain.
Key Recommendation: The study recommends policies that promote digital sovereignty, ethical AI development, and community-led knowledge governance. Strengthening legal frameworks and fostering collaborations between Indigenous communities and technology developers are critical steps toward ensuring equitable knowledge representation.