Universities as Engines of AI Sovereignty

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is reshaping governance and economic systems worldwide, yet many countries in the Global South remain dependent on technologies, infrastructures, and governance models produced elsewhere. This dependency reflects deeper patterns of digital colonialism, including data extraction, reliance on foreign cloud systems, and limited capacity to shape AI on local terms. Grounded in African empirical evidence with broader application across the Global South, this paper argues that universities are critical but overlooked institutions in efforts to strengthen AI sovereignty. While governments, firms, and civil society face persistent capability gaps, universities hold mandates that position them to build research capacity, cultivate technical and governance expertise, and coordinate innovation ecosystems. Drawing on political economy and higher education scholarship, the paper develops the Capability–Alignment–Impact (CAI) Framework to explain how universities can contribute to autonomous AI development through three pathways: strengthening foundational knowledge; improving coordination across government, industry, and civil society; and translating expertise into societal impact. The paper concludes by outlining practical implications for policymakers, development agencies, and university leaders seeking to support sovereign AI ecosystems in the Global South.