Digital Colonialism and Infrastructure-as-Debt

Kwet, Michael. Digital colonialism and infrastructure-as-debt. University of Bayreuth African Studies Online. 2022: 65-77.

13 Pages Posted: 10 Jan 2022 Last revised: 7 Jul 2022

See all articles by Michael Kwet

Michael Kwet

Yale University - Information Society Project

Date Written: July 07, 2022

Abstract

This Article takes a look at the issue of digital colonialism in South Africa. First, it provides a snapshot of the global situation, characterized by the dominance of US empire. Second, it provides a snapshot of digital colonialism in South Africa. This includes a breakdown of how foreign corporations dominate some industries, products, and services, as well as how they invest in infrastructure to capture market share for long-term dominance – what we can call infrastructure-as-debt. Third, it looks at the concept of tech hegemony – neomissionary doctrines pushed through proponents of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution and the reformist orientation of the US “techlash”. Finally, it outlines the broad contours of a “People’s Tech for People’s Power” agenda and a socialist Digital Tech Deal required to see it through.

Suggested Citation

Kwet, Michael, Digital Colonialism and Infrastructure-as-Debt (July 07, 2022). Kwet, Michael. Digital colonialism and infrastructure-as-debt. University of Bayreuth African Studies Online. 2022: 65-77., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4004594

Michael Kwet (Contact Author)

Yale University - Information Society Project ( email )

P.O. Box 208215
New Haven, CT 06520-8215
United States

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