Ghana to train 300,000 youth in AI, green tech

The nation is set to benefit from a continental initiative that will equip 300,000 young people with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, modern agriculture, green technologies, and entrepreneurship.

The commitment was secured at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Japan.

The programme aims to support Ghana’s transition towards a technology-driven economy by building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation.

It also seeks to address the growing demand for digital and scientific expertise across Africa, where technology adoption is expanding rapidly in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and agri-tech.

Commenting on the development, Dr Eugene Frimpong, a data analytics and artificial intelligence expert, stressed the importance of funding to sustain Ghana’s technology ambitions.

“Ghana will need to secure more funding and increase its GDP spending on tech. An opportunity like this will also need to attract private-sector investment if it is to remain competitive,” he said.

Analysts note that while training represents a critical first step, sustained progress will depend on creating an enabling environment for technology entrepreneurship.

This includes stronger collaboration with investors and the development of infrastructure to support startups and innovation ecosystems.

With several African countries already moving swiftly to attract global technology firms, experts warn that Ghana must accelerate its efforts to avoid falling behind.

The government has placed digital skills development at the centre of its broader industrialisation and economic diversification agenda.

However, officials acknowledge that private capital will play a central role in financing the infrastructure and investment needed to absorb and retain the newly trained workforce.