Ghana is set to become a major player in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies through a landmark partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub—a transformative project aimed at accelerating digital transformation and positioning Ghana as a tech powerhouse on the continent.

The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the UAE’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), will see the development of a 25 square kilometre innovation district in Ningo-Prampram, serving as a regional base for AI engineering, business process outsourcing (BPO), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), and machine learning tailored to Africa’s unique data needs.

Expected to draw more than 11,000 global companies under the PCFC umbrella—including Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, IBM, and Alphabet—the project will act as a launchpad for multinational tech giants looking to expand their footprint in Ghana and across Africa.

The first phase of the $1 billion project will be fully financed by the PCFC, with the Government of Ghana providing the land. The initiative is supported by top AI developers from Dubai’s own tech transformation and is expected to be a catalyst for local innovation and job creation.

The MoU was officially signed in Accra on Thursday, May 29, 2025, by Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and PCFC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. The ceremony was witnessed by officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agencies under the digital ministry, and representatives from the UAE’s diplomatic mission.

Describing the agreement as “a bold ambition grounded in mutual respect,” Mr. George said the initiative reflects the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to make innovation a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development.

“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.

“It is about building a nation where our brightest minds no longer look outwards for opportunity, but see it in their own backyards.”

The Minister, who also represents Ningo-Prampram in Parliament, added that the project aligns with the government’s flagship One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to equip Ghanaian youth with skills in AI, cybersecurity, data protection, and digital governance.

“To Ghana’s vibrant community of tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital talents, this is your platform,” he said.

“We are creating the conditions for a digital renaissance, led by Ghanaians for Ghanaians. Our goal is not to catch up with the digital age, but to help shape it.”

On his part, PCFC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who also chairs global logistics giant DP World, underscored the importance of innovation in shaping national wealth.

“Today, wealth is not measured by gold or oil but by the ability to generate, implement, and scale ideas,” he said.

“Look at Apple—they transformed a simple concept into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. This is the power of ideas, engineering, and innovation.”

Using DP World’s automated port in Rotterdam as an example, he explained that while automation and AI are changing the nature of work, they are not eliminating jobs. Instead, roles are shifting toward design, strategy, and customer engagement.

“Jobs aren’t disappearing—they’re evolving. Our people are moving from manual tasks to managing smart processes,” he said.

With global supply chains increasingly localized, Bin Sulayem said Ghana is well-positioned to become a key production and distribution hub for West Africa, offering companies a strategic location to manufacture and ship goods closer to market.