African Social Networks as a Tool for Combating Digital Neocolonialism

Despite the growing awareness of the issue of digital neocolonialism, most studies are limited to merely describing the phenomenon and its consequences. However, for effective counteraction against digital neocolonialism, it is necessary not only to understand the problem but also to develop specific tools to combat it. In this context, African social networks are of particular interest as they can become an alternative to the dominant Western platforms. The development of their own social networks will allow African countries not only to ensure information sovereignty but also to create platforms that take into account the cultural characteristics and needs of the local population. This work presents a comprehensive study of the potential of African social networks as a tool to combat digital neocolonialism. The aim of the research is to explore the possibilities and limitations of African social networks in the context of countering information asymmetry and ensuring control over information flows. To achieve this goal, the work will analyze existing African social networks, their features, and development potential. Successful examples of the creation and promotion of local social networks will be considered, as well as factors hindering their widespread adoption. The method used was a qualitative analysis of small data (small-N analysis) to assess user activity and engagement in African social networks, as well as a comparative analysis of the popularity and geographical distribution of African and Western social networks on the African continent. The analysis concludes that African social networks face considerable challenges when attempting to penetrate the African market. Many African users have already become accustomed to the interface and functionality of Western social networks, making it difficult to transition to new platforms. This finding calls into question the validity and prevalence of the concept of digital neocolonialism in practice.