Ghana’s AI Ambition: Infrastructure Alone Isn’t Enough, We Are Investing in People
Ghana is setting its sights on becoming a leading force in Artificial Intelligence (AI) within West Africa, a vision articulated by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George. Speaking at the inaugural MOBEX Africa Partnership Day in Accra, the Minister highlighted the crucial role of human capital development alongside infrastructural advancements in achieving this ambitious goal.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Empowering the Next Generation
While the development of a US$1 billion Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub in Prampram is a cornerstone of the strategy, the Minister stressed that physical infrastructure is only part of the equation. This hub aims to attract global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Huawei, alongside fostering growth for local companies such as Mobex Africa and Hubtel. Recognizing the critical need for skilled professionals to drive innovation, the government has launched the “One Million Coders Programme.” This initiative aims to train one million Ghanaians, with a particular focus on youth and women, in coding, AI, and other emerging technologies over the next four years.
In conclusion, Ghana’s strategy recognizes that becoming an AI powerhouse requires a dual approach: attracting investment and building cutting-edge infrastructure while simultaneously empowering its citizens with the skills necessary to participate in and lead the AI revolution. The One Million Coders Programme exemplifies this commitment to human capital development, ensuring that Ghana’s ambition is not just built on concrete, but on the ingenuity and expertise of its people.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Investing in people, human capital investment, infrastructure and people, skills development, workforce development, employee training, human resource investment, peoplecentric development, beyond infrastructure, sustainable development
