Ghana is set to become Africa’s next big technology powerhouse after signing a $1 billion agreement with the United Arab Emirates. The deal will create what promises to be the continent’s largest artificial intelligence and innovation hub.
The Big Picture
The partnership between Ghana and the UAE centers around building the Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub in Ningo-Prampram, near Ghana’s capital Accra. This massive project spans 25 square kilometers and aims to transform Ghana into a regional leader in AI and emerging technologies.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on May 29, 2025, by Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the UAE’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).
Tech Giants Coming to Ghana
The project is expected to attract more than 11,000 global technology companies under the PCFC umbrella. Major tech giants already showing interest include:
- Microsoft
- Meta (Facebook)
- Oracle
- IBM
- Alphabet (Google)
These companies will use Ghana as their regional base for AI engineering, business process outsourcing, and machine learning focused on Africa’s unique data needs.
How the Deal Works
The UAE’s PCFC will fully fund the first phase of the $1 billion project. Ghana’s contribution comes in the form of providing the land in Ningo-Prampram. This arrangement makes it easier for Ghana to participate in this massive investment without straining government finances.
The project builds on expertise from Dubai’s own technology transformation, with leading AI firms from the UAE city involved in the development.
What This Means for Ghana
Minister Samuel Nartey George described the agreement as “a bold ambition grounded in mutual respect.” He explained that the hub will create opportunities for Ghana’s young people to work with cutting-edge technology without having to leave the country.
“This hub will create a space where investment meets ingenuity, where the creativity of Ghana’s youth is matched with opportunities to try, and where advanced technologies are developed, deployed and exported,” George said during the signing ceremony.
The project aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to make innovation a key driver of Ghana’s development. It also supports the government’s One Million Coders Programme, which aims to train Ghanaian youth in AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
Why Ghana Makes Sense
Ghana has been building its reputation as one of Africa’s emerging tech hubs. The country already hosts Google’s first African center for artificial intelligence, which opened in Accra in April 2019. This existing foundation makes Ghana an attractive location for more tech investments.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who also chairs global logistics company DP World, emphasized how innovation creates wealth in today’s world.
“Today, wealth is not measured by gold or oil but by the ability to generate, implement, and scale ideas,” he said.
Strategic Location Benefits
Ghana’s position in West Africa makes it ideal for companies wanting to serve the broader African market. As global supply chains become more localized, Ghana can serve as a key production and distribution hub for the region.
The Ningo-Prampram location is particularly strategic, offering good access to both local and international markets through nearby ports and airports.
Jobs and Skills Development
While some worry that AI and automation might eliminate jobs, the UAE partners see it differently. Bin Sulayem explained that technology doesn’t remove jobs but changes them. Workers move from manual tasks to managing smart processes, focusing on design, strategy, and customer service.
The hub is expected to create thousands of new jobs across different skill levels, from technical positions to support services. It will also provide training opportunities for Ghanaians to develop skills needed in the digital economy.
Timeline and Next Steps
The project will be developed in phases, with the first phase now moving forward after the MoU signing. While specific timelines weren’t announced, the scale of the project suggests it will take several years to complete fully.
The success of this initiative could inspire similar partnerships between African countries and international investors, potentially creating a network of tech hubs across the continent.
Looking Ahead
This partnership represents more than just a business deal. It shows how African countries can leverage international partnerships to build their technology sectors without compromising their sovereignty. Ghana provides the location and workforce, while the UAE brings funding and technical expertise.
For Ghana, this project could accelerate the country’s digital transformation and establish it as a major tech destination. For the UAE companies, it offers access to African markets and talent.
The success of this $1 billion tech hub will likely influence how other African countries approach technology development and international partnerships in the coming years.
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