Ghana, UAE ink $1bn deal to build Africa’s largest innovation hub

Ghana is poised to become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. This follows a new partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub. This project aims to boost digital transformation in Ghana. It will help position the country as a tech powerhouse in Africa.

The UAE’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) leads this initiative. They plan to develop a 25 square kilometer innovation district in Ningo-Prampram. This hub will focus on AI engineering, business process outsourcing, and machine learning tailored for Africa.

The project expects to attract over 11,000 global companies like Microsoft and Oracle. It will serve as a launchpad for tech giants expanding into Ghana and Africa.

The first phase of this $1 billion project is fully funded by PCFC. The Government of Ghana will provide the land needed for development. Top AI developers from Dubai support this initiative, which aims to foster local innovation and job creation.

Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, signed the MoU on May 29, 2025. The ceremony took place in Accra with officials from various ministries present.

Mr. George described the agreement as “a bold ambition grounded in mutual respect.” He emphasized that it aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's vision for sustainable development through innovation.

“This hub will create opportunities for Ghana's youth,” he said. He added that it would help develop advanced technologies that can be exported globally.

The Minister also mentioned the One Million Coders Programme. This program aims to equip young Ghanaians with skills in AI and cybersecurity.

He encouraged local tech entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity: “We are creating conditions for a digital renaissance.”

PCFC Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem highlighted innovation's role in national wealth creation. He stated that today’s wealth comes from generating and scaling ideas rather than traditional resources like gold or oil.

He used Apple as an example of how ideas can lead to massive enterprises. Bin Sulayem noted that automation and AI are changing jobs but not eliminating them.

“Jobs are evolving towards design, strategy, and customer engagement,” he explained. With localized global supply chains, he believes Ghana can become a key production hub for West Africa.