AI systems and the question of African personhood

Increasing number of African philosophers are engaging artificial intelligence (AI) especially in relation to the question of robotic persons. While some argue in support, others argue against robotic personhood. There are two dominant theories of personhood—humanist and posthumanist accounts—in African moral context. Both theories agree that being a human is insufficient condition to be recognized as a person. My interest in this article is to show how the two theories might support or deny robotic personhood. The question is: what are those features of the theories that we can appeal to when arguing against or for robotic personhood? The question about the personhood status of AI systems is crucial since full claim to moral rights in African society is hinged on personhood. Importantly, debate on robotic personhood can guide AI policy development in sub-Saharan Africa.