Ghana Targets AI Leadership in Africa with $250 Million National Compute Investment

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations,  Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has outlined a bold vision to position Ghana as a leading artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Africa during a stakeholder engagement with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC ) Ghana in Accra.

The meeting, which formed part of ongoing consultations, focused on strategic collaboration to support the implementation of Ghana’s newly launched National AI Strategy.

Hon. George noted that the Ministry has undergone significant restructuring to serve as a facilitating institution across government, ensuring that technology is embedded in all sectors of national development. He emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships with private sector players such as PwC to drive innovation and scale digital solutions.

A key focus of the discussions was the identification of priority sectors under the AI Strategy, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance systems. The Minister explained that these sectors are central to improving food security, expanding healthcare access through telemedicine, reducing inequalities in education, and enhancing efficiency within public administration.

He also disclosed that Cabinet has approved $250 million to support the development of national compute infrastructure and AI-driven applications. According to him, the investment will provide innovators and academic institutions with affordable access to high-performance computing resources.

On innovation financing, Hon. George highlighted the need for patient capital, noting that traditional banking systems often restrict startups due to rigid lending criteria. He outlined plans for a government-backed innovation fund structured as a revolving mechanism to de-risk private investment and attract venture capital into Ghana’s technology ecosystem.

He further pointed to ongoing legislative reforms aimed at repositioning key agencies as full regulators and establishing innovation sandboxes to support emerging sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and agritech.

The PwC Ghana delegation, led by Country Senior Partner Mr. Vish Ashiagbor, welcomed the Minister’s vision and expressed interest in deepening collaboration, particularly in AI deployment, digital advisory services, and capacity building. The firm also indicated readiness to support efforts to connect startups with private capital and scale innovation across the continent.

Both parties agreed on the need for sustained collaboration to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, with a shared commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen engagement in the coming months as government advances its legislative framework and prepares to operationalize key initiatives under the National AI Strategy.