Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has emphasized Africa’s critical role in shaping the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape. Speaking at the Pan African AI Summit in Accra, he described the continent as the world’s next “gold mine” due to its vast data resources, driven by a growing youth population.
By 2030, one in every four people globally will be African, with the continent’s average age standing at just 23. This demographic, he noted, generates massive amounts of data that can be harnessed into a powerful global resource. Nartey George highlighted the need for Africa to control its own data, citing gaps in existing international systems.
The Minister outlined Ghana’s AI priorities, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, and education. He also announced plans to host “Africa Tech Davos” in Accra next year, bringing together ICT ministers, global tech leaders, and African innovators to chart a unified strategy for Africa’s digital future. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop large language models for local languages, addressing a key technical challenge in AI adoption.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
