Ghana and UAE Sign $1 Billion Deal to Build Africa's Largest AI and Tech Hub

Ghana has positioned itself to become Africa's leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub after signing a $1 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish the 'Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub.'

The hub is a partnership between Ghana and the UAE led by the Ports Customs Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Group 42 (G42).
The initiative aims to establish Ghana as a leader in digital transformation and emerging technologies. It is expected to attract over 11,000 global tech companies, including leading giants like Meta, Oracle, Google and Microsoft, which are seeking to expand their footprint in emerging markets in Africa.

The UAE will fund the first phase of the project, which will include developing a 25-square-kilometer site in Ningo-Prampram, Greater Accra.
The hub is expected to address the growing demand for the digital age in the West African state. It will serve as an AI education and research center while offering digital training programs, especially for youth.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 29, 2025, by Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the UAE’s Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). According to Minister George, the initiative aligns with President John Mahama's vision of transforming Ghana into Africa's leading AI hub through the "One Million Coders" program.
Sulayem reiterated the importance of technological innovation to advance the need for Ghana's sustainable growth in the future.

Ghana's One Million Coders initiative seeks to empower local youth with coding skills, helping them create meaningful opportunities that will unlock their full potential in the digital space.
The tech hub is expected to promote local talents and entrepreneurship as stakeholders seek solutions to local problems in the digital space. By leveraging AI, Ghana prioritizes knowledge-based economies while committing to technological sovereignty in the global space.