Ghana has taken a major leap in its digital transformation journey by partnering with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish the Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub. This initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations (MoCDTI), the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), and artificial intelligence firm Presight AI.
The strategic partnership aims to position Ghana as a leading digital and technological hub in Africa, offering a robust platform for innovation, investment, and job creation. The Innovation and Technology Hub is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, promote high-value technology exports, and provide thousands of employment opportunities for Ghana’s tech-savvy youth.
At the MoU signing ceremony, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, described the initiative as a game-changer in the country’s quest to diversify its economy and build a future-ready workforce.
“This initiative reflects the vision of our President to diversify our economy and ensure innovation becomes a primary engine of inclusive, sustainable development,” the Minister said.
The Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub will not only attract global investors but also enhance collaboration between the two countries, strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. The project aligns with Ghana’s broader national strategy to harness technology and digital tools for development across sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and governance.
H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Chairman of PCFC, highlighted the transformative nature of the collaboration, stating:
“True wealth lies in innovative ideas. This project we are launching is about empowering people to dream, create and bring ideas to life.”
The initiative has garnered support from key stakeholders in Ghana’s digital ecosystem, including the National Communications Authority, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), National Information Technology Agency, Ghana Domain Name Registry, and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT.
Other institutions expected to play active roles in the development of the hub include the Ghana Education Service, Accra Digital Centre, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Digital Centres, and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
With backing from both public and private partners such as GIZ Ghana, Telecel Ghana, MTN Ghana, and UNESCO Ghana, the Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub is poised to become a beacon of technological advancement on the continent.
The partnership marks a new era in Ghana’s innovation agenda and is expected to drive sustainable digital growth, build a resilient digital economy, and place Ghana at the forefront of Africa’s tech revolution.
