Accra: Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates, led by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), to build a $1 billion innovation hub in Accra. The investment will be fully funded by PCFC, while Ghana will provide the land to be located in Ningo Prampram in the Greater Accra region. The 25-kilometre square facility is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed before the end of 2027.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Sam George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation Communications, signed on behalf of Ghana, while Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman, PCFC, signed for the UAE. Mr. George stated that the partnership between Ghana, PCFC, and leading AI firms like G42 would revolutionize technology in the country. This collaboration is part of President Mahama's vision to transform Ghana into the next AI hub for Africa, supported by the launch of the one million coders programme.
The Minister highlighted that as Ghana trains a million coders, the innovation hub will provide employment opportunities, with PCFC bringing over 11,000 companies under its umbrella in the UAE to establish a presence in Ghana. PCFC, which has been instrumental in transforming Dubai's AI ecosystem, currently manages over 11 innovation hubs in Dubai and collaborates with major tech companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.
Mr. George emphasized that Ghana, as the gateway to Africa, reached out to PCFC to establish the hub, which will attract major tech companies to Ghana. This will position the country as a center for Business Process Outsourcing, Knowledge Process Outsourcing, AI Engineering, and emerging technology fields in Africa. The Minister assured that the company would employ Ghanaians through the coders programme, rather than importing human capital from outside.
The agreement was described as ambitious and grounded in mutual respect, with a shared understanding that digital transformation is essential. This initiative aims to secure Ghana's place as a leader in digital transformation and technological advancement on the continent. Mr. Bin Sulayem stressed the significance of technology in empowering future development and expressed the company's commitment to partnering with Ghana to enhance technology and provide jobs in the emerging economy.
