Ghana has taken a giant leap in its digital transformation journey by signing a landmark $1 billion agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish a world-class technology and innovation hub in Ningo-Prampram, a rapidly growing district in the Greater Accra Region.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai’s Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).
Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub: A Digital Game-Changer
Announced on June 1, 2025, the initiative—dubbed the Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub, is designed to serve as a pan-African base for global technology giants such as Microsoft, Oracle, Meta, IBM, and Alphabet, alongside over 11,000 companies operating under the PCFC umbrella.
“This $1 billion deal is the culmination of three months of behind-the-scenes work,” said Samuel George. “It reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s vision and the impact our One Million Coders Programme will have on Ghana’s youth.”
First Phase: 25 Square Kilometres of Innovation in Ningo-Prampram
The first phase of development will cover 25 square kilometres and be fully financed by the UAE’s PCFC, while the government of Ghana provides the land. The tech park is expected to feature cutting-edge infrastructure for:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
- Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO)
- Data generation for machine learning tools
The hub will become a centre for innovation, research, and high-skill employment in Ghana and across West Africa.
Empowering Ghana’s Digital Workforce
A major objective of the project is to reinforce Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme, which aims to train one million young Ghanaians in critical digital skills, including
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Data Governance
- Data Protection
“We’re creating the conditions for a digital renaissance—led by Ghanaians, for Ghanaians,” added Minister George. “This is your platform, your opportunity to shape the digital future.”
UAE’s Vision for Knowledge-Based Economies
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem highlighted the shift from resource-based to idea-driven economies, noting:
“The wealth of nations is no longer measured by oil or gold but by the ability to generate and scale ideas.”
He pointed to DP World’s automated port in Rotterdam and their global presence in over 70 countries as proof that jobs aren’t being eliminated but transformed through technology. Sulayem also emphasised that global supply chains are moving closer to key markets, positioning Ghana as a strategic production and distribution hub in West Africa.
Regional Context: Nigeria’s AI Push
As Ghana launches this bold initiative, Nigeria is also rapidly advancing its AI development strategy. The Nigerian government, led by Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, has rolled out:
- A National Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- The Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Collective (NAIC)
- Major investments from Google and Microsoft, including
- ₦2.8 billion ($2 million+) from Google to accelerate AI talent
- ₦100 million for the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR)
- $1 million from Microsoft to upskill one million Nigerians in AI
However, infrastructure challenges, including unreliable electricity, limited connectivity, and weak digital frameworks, continue to hinder progress in many African nations.
What This Means for Africa’s Tech Future
The Ghana-UAE $1 billion tech hub is more than a real estate project—it’s a vision for Africa’s role in the global digital economy. As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation reshape industries, Ghana is positioning itself as a regional leader in innovation and talent development.
