Fragmented Global <scp>AI</scp> Governance? Chinese <scp>AI</scp> Leadership Dreams and Africa's Quest for Digital Autonomy

ABSTRACT Given rising concerns regarding the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diffusing nondemocratic governance principles, the import of AI technologies by African states has intensified scrutiny of China's expanding influence in global AI governance. This article examines whether the People's Republic of China (PRC) has effectively exported its unique AI governance principles through its Digital Silk Road and other global initiatives. The article makes two primary contributions. First, it traces the core tenets of Chinese AI governance and the channels through which Beijing seeks to disseminate them internationally, drawing on a systematic analysis of Chinese‐language policy documents and official sources. As a second step, it assesses the extent to which these principles are reflected in African AI strategies, looking at continental and national AI strategies adopted by African democracies, focusing particularly on Ghana as a case study, and examining select AI cooperation projects involving Chinese partners. The findings indicate that AI governance strategies in African democracies largely align with Western‐derived normative frameworks. African states exhibit strategic agency by selectively engaging a diverse array of external partners, including Chinese firms, to mitigate the risk of overdependence. Consequently, China's influence on AI norm diffusion in Africa should not be overstated.