As Africa embraces the digital revolution, with data centers and AI systems proliferating across the continent, policymakers are grappling with the question of who will control the infrastructure on which these technologies depend. In April 2023, African Union ministers convened in Tangier, Morocco, to discuss AI strategies, investment, and digital expansion. However, beneath the enthusiasm lies a more fundamental concern: the extent to which African countries can maintain control over their own digital future amidst growing foreign investment. Governments such as Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana have emphasized the need for local capacity building and reduced dependence on foreign technology providers in their recent national AI strategies. The Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, endorsed by 49 countries including the African Union, also underscores the importance of investing in African AI talent, infrastructure, and innovation. Despite these ambitious objectives, translating policy into tangible action has proven challenging. In South Africa, a draft national AI policy was withdrawn earlier this year due to concerns about unverified references generated by AI tools. The debate over control is part of a broader shift in thinking about AI, moving from adoption to ownership, governance, and the terms under which these technologies are developed and deployed. The competition for AI infrastructure and markets is intensifying globally, with major technology companies, cloud providers, and governments vying for access to data and computing power. This competition may offer African countries some leverage in negotiations with global tech firms, as highlighted by geopolitical analyst Priyal Singh. He suggests that the fragmented nature of the global AI industry could provide African states with increased room for maneuver. However, influence in the AI era extends beyond politics; it is also infrastructural. Africa remains significantly underrepresented in the global digital economy's physical backbone, accounting for less than 1% of global data center capacity despite housing approximately 18% of the world's population. The continent faces significant energy constraints, particularly in terms of reliable electricity supply, which complicates the expansion of data centers and cloud infrastructure. One of the most high-profile projects is a proposed $1 billion data center development involving Microsoft and Emirati technology company G42 in Kenya. The project has attracted attention due to its substantial energy demands and discussions over commercial arrangements and long-term commitments linked to computing capacity. Despite ongoing talks, concerns about infrastructure expansion and energy needs, financing costs, and strategic dependence remain a challenge for African governments. The question of who shapes Africa's digital future extends beyond Western technology companies. Debates about diversification are complex, as illustrated by Sanusha Naidu, a senior research fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue. She argues that policymakers must consider what they receive in return through these partnerships, whether with US, European, or Chinese companies. As Africa navigates the digital landscape, striking a balance between attracting investment and maintaining control over its digital future will be crucial.