Ethical Dilemmas in Data Governance: Implications for AI in African Societies in São Tomé and Príncipe

Data governance in AI applications faces significant ethical dilemmas across African societies, particularly in São Tomé and Príncipe where data collection and usage are nascent. A critical discourse analysis was employed to explore existing literature and policy documents regarding AI ethics and data governance in the region. The analysis revealed a significant gap between the legal framework and actual practices of data collection and use by local institutions, with an emphasis on healthcare sectors where data breaches have occurred. Current approaches to AI and data governance in São Tomé and Príncipe are insufficiently ethical, leading to potential privacy violations and trust erosion among citizens. Develop a comprehensive national policy on AI ethics that incorporates citizen consent and oversight mechanisms, and mandates regular audits of data practices.