African creatives sound alarm over AI’s impact on storytelling and cultural heritage

African creatives sound alarm over AI’s impact on storytelling and cultural heritage - Executive Director Afrotellers Wilson Chivanga (speaking) during discussions at the Afrotellers conference in Mombasa, which has brought together more than 200 delegates, including over 150 participants from across Africa and representatives of approximately 26 countries. (Photo: Courtesy)

Participants also want county governments and policymakers to play a greater role in supporting local creatives and protecting African cultural heritage.

African creatives are raising concerns over who controls the continent’s stories, cultural heritage and identity as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes how content is produced, shared and consumed.

The concerns are at the centre of discussions at the Afrotellers conference in Mombasa, which has brought together more than 200 delegates, including over 150 participants from across Africa and representatives of approximately 26 countries.

Afrotellers Executive Director Wilson Chivanga said African storytellers needed to take charge of their narratives by developing their own platforms and building partnerships across national borders.

He said African experiences and perspectives risked being overlooked if creatives did not have a stronger voice in shaping how the continent was represented.

The growing use of artificial intelligence in content creation and distribution has added urgency to the debate, with participants questioning who controls the technology, whose stories are amplified and who benefits from the content generated.

Afrotellers Board Chair Munyaradzi Chatikobo said the movement was looking to expand its presence across Kenya’s 47 counties while building stronger connections with creatives in other African countries.

Latest Stories

  • Philimon Kipchumba smashes course record as Kenya wins men’s title at Istanbul Marathon
  • Percentage change in national average retail prices of selected commodities in kenya
  • Kilifi Governor Mung'aro orders crackdown on foreign-owned businesses in Watamu
  • Driving programme gives Kamukunji youth a new path to earning a living

The discussions have also focused on the need to turn creative work into sustainable sources of income, particularly for young people.

Chief Operations Officer at Swahili Port Hub Foundation Ken Miheso said young creatives needed safe spaces where they could develop their skills, tell their own stories and earn from their work.

Participants also want county governments and policymakers to play a greater role in supporting local creatives and protecting African cultural heritage.

Rachel Mwikali of the Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders in Kenya said storytelling could also be used to advance human rights, protect women's dignity and strengthen campaigns against gender-based violence and femicide.

The conference comes amid wider concerns about the influence of digital technology on the ownership, representation and distribution of African content.