Researchers Map Chinese AI Surveillance Exports Across 11 African Countries

A March 2026 study says Chinese-funded smart-city surveillance systems are now embedded across 11 African countries, with governments spending at least US$2 billion on AI-enabled cameras, facial recognition, vehicle number-plate recognition and centralized control rooms. The findings put China-linked public-space surveillance exports back under scrutiny, especially where legal safeguards and independent oversight remain weak.