“No AI Without Digitalisation”: Bawumia Outlines Six-Point Policy Framework for Africa’s AI Leadership at LSE Summit

Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has positioned Ghana as a frontrunner for Artificial Intelligence (AI) growth in Africa, asserting that a robust digital foundation is a non-negotiable prerequisite for the continent's AI ambitions. Delivering a keynote address at the 2026 London School of Economics (LSE) Africa Summit, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that countries lagging in digitalization will struggle to implement AI effectively. He argued that for Africa to transition from being a mere consumer to a global contributor of AI technology, it must first prioritize the infrastructure that makes data verifiable and systems interoperable.

Highlighting Ghana’s specific successes, Dr. Bawumia pointed to the national biometric identity system, the digital address system, and integrated payment frameworks as the pillars of the country's AI readiness. These systems, he noted, provide the reliable data ecosystems necessary for scaling AI applications in governance and service delivery. He further revealed that Ghana is currently developing a National AI Strategy under the guidance of UNESCO, ensuring that the country’s technological evolution remains structured and ethical. While praising the progress of regional peers like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, he cautioned that many African nations still lack the essential infrastructure required for a smooth AI takeoff.

To bridge this gap, Dr. Bawumia proposed a comprehensive six-point policy framework designed to drive Africa’s AI agenda. This framework includes: building AI foundations through investments in power and broadband; creating trustworthy data ecosystems that reflect African realities; scaling talent through curriculum reform and workforce programs; enhancing government procurement capacity for responsible AI deployment; embedding ethics with human oversight; and fostering cross-border interoperability to enable digital trade. He stressed that these commitments are vital for attracting investment and ensuring that AI development reflects African values and priorities.

Concluding his address, the former Vice-President identified significant hurdles still facing the continent, specifically a widening financing gap and a shortage of advanced digital skills. He called for focused policies to enhance education and inclusivity, particularly for women and underserved communities, to ensure the digital economy leaves no one behind. By building transparent and accountable systems today, Dr. Bawumia believes Africa can secure its place as a leader in the global AI narrative, fostering innovation that drives both economic growth and social transformation.