Ghana Unveils Ambitious National AI Strategy to Drive Economic Growth and Tech Sovereignty by 2035

Ghana has launched a transformative National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, setting a bold course to become Africa’s primary hub for AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) by 2035. This comprehensive framework is designed to integrate advanced technology into the fabric of the nation’s economy, targeting a massive contribution of GH₵200 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, and GH₵500 billion by 2035. By focusing on eight strategic pillars—including education, infrastructure, and data governance—the government aims to harness AI as a catalyst for industrialization and sustainable development.\n\nAt the heart of this strategy is the development of a self-sustaining ecosystem that prioritizes local innovation and data sovereignty. Key initiatives include the establishment of a dedicated AGI laboratory and the ambitious goal of nurturing ten "AI unicorns"—startups valued at over $1 billion. To protect sensitive national information, the government plans to launch "GhanaChat," a sovereign AI system that ensures data remains within national borders. This move reflects a growing global trend toward technological independence, ensuring that Ghana’s digital evolution is managed and secured by domestic frameworks.\n\nRecognizing the importance of human capital, the strategy mirrors India’s successful IT sector model by pledging to train one million young Ghanaians in AI and related technologies. This educational push is intended to equip the workforce for a future where AI serves as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for human labor. Current applications in healthcare, finance, and government services are already demonstrating the technology's potential to improve service delivery. By positioning AI as a partner to human intelligence, Ghana seeks to mitigate unemployment fears while modernizing its economic landscape for the mid-21st century.