Algorithm Colonialism and Design Ethics: Decolonizing UI/UX for African Users

Egbuchulam Peterdamian Chibueze*, Fan Wei

Abstract

This research explores the manifestation of algorithmic colonialism through the lens of UI/UX design for African users. As digital technologies penetrate the continent, the colonial power relationships are being perpetuated, albeit in a different form, through data-driven systems that are favoring the West in terms of values, aesthetics, and design logics, and are displacing local languages, identities, and cultural practices most of the time. To examine how these issues are unfolding, the research employed qualitative methodology, which included not only an extensive literature review but also studies of African digital projects such as M-Pesa and AfriDesign. The results of this research point to the presence of three major characteristics of algorithmic colonialism. They are as follows: First, algorithmic bias, which serves to intertwine the exclusion of underrepresented groups with the platforms; second, cultural invisibility, which leads to the neglect of African communicative norms and aesthetics; and lastly, the extraction of data without giving anything back, which is a continuation of the old ways of resource exploitation. To bring the issue of these negativities to an end, the research suggests using the Decolonial Design Framework, which revolves around African knowledge systems and social values and puts the limelight on cultural engagement, participatory design, language support, and data sovereignty. Case study analysis shows that while initiatives like M-Pesa are an example of the good that comes with culture-based design, they also create problems in terms of data ownership and the extent to which corporate multinationals have control over it. On a theoretical level, the research has a say in digital colonialism issues and, in particular, it provides a fresh and clear outline of the algorithmic colonialism concept as a design-centered phenomenon, thereby making the link between the critical and the design theory. On the practical side, the research results can be turned into specific advice that may be of help to the political leaders, the technologists, and the designers in terms of ways of creating digital systems that are inclusive, just, and culturally resonant. By playing both critic and practitioner, this research shows how partners from different sectors need to team up in order to rid digital design of colonial vestiges and to build innovation landscapes in Africa that are reflective of local knowledge and cultural diversity.

Keywords

algorithmic colonialism; digital colonialism; data colonialism; decolonial

Cite This Article

Peterdamian, E., Wei, F. (2026). Algorithm Colonialism and Design Ethics: Decolonizing UI/UX for African Users. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 1: Jan – Feb 2026, Pages 117-126 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Volume7-Issue1-Jan-Feb-No.1024-117-126.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 1: Jan – Feb 2026