Digital Sovereignty through Africa-Centric Emotional Intelligence: A Proof of Concept for AI-Enhanced Mental Health Support

Abstract

Digital sovereignty is vital for enabling communities to control their technological ecosystems, particularly in areas like mental health, where cultural relevance and data autonomy are paramount. This study examines the integration of Africa-centric emotional intelligence principles into AI-driven mental health support systems, while at the same time proposing a culturally adaptive framework with a proof of concept that emphasizes both technological autonomy and cultural authenticity. Grounded in values such as empathy, communal well-being, resilience, and Ubuntu, the conceptualized approach aligns mental health interventions with the lived experience of African communities. The framework incorporates conversational agents and personalized interventions, alongside a prototype system capable of detecting and classifying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The culturally aligned design enhances user trust, engagement, and perceived usefulness, By emphasizing local data control and leveraging Indigenous systems, this work promotes digital sovereignty and addresses privacy concerns. Preliminary testing of the prototype demonstrates the feasibility of culturally attuned AI solutions, showing improved user engagement and trust. This paper emphasizes the need for mental health interventions that respect cultural identity while promoting digital autonomy. More so, it advocates for AI systems personalized to regional contexts and calls for mental health solutions that uphold cultural identity while advancing digital self-governance.