The partnership between Ghana and the UAE to build a tech hub in 2026 reflects Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a leading technology hub on the African continent. This project aligns with the country’s broader regulatory initiatives and international partnerships aimed at strengthening its digital ecosystem.
A tech hub aligned with Ghana’s artificial intelligence and digital transformation strategy
Through its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, published in October 2022, the Ghanaian government aims to use AI to develop several strategic sectors. From healthcare to agriculture, as well as financial services, transport and natural resource management, the government intends to harness artificial intelligence to stimulate the country’s economic and social development.
Covering the period 2023-2033, the strategy is structured around several pillars. It places special emphasis on education and youth training, with initiatives such as the “AI Ready Ghana” programme and the expansion of courses dedicated to cloud services and cybersecurity.
The creation of a tech hub supported by the United Arab Emirates
In this context, the signing of a $1 billion agreement with the United Arab Emirates marks a decisive milestone. This partnership is conducted with Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Presight AI, an international big data analytics company powered by GenAI. This project provides for the construction in 2026 of the Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub in the Greater Accra Region. The hub is expected to host more than 10,000 companies, including major players such as Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.
The partnership with the UAE brings not only significant funding but also expertise in large-scale infrastructure development and applied innovation.
In addition to facilitating the installation of global companies, the hub will directly support local training programmes, notably “One Million Coders”. The goal is to encourage Ghanaian talent to shape the country’s digital future, while making the nation a major destination for investment, innovation, and technological leadership. This focus on massive training of young talent positions Ghana as a future reservoir of digital skills, capable of supplying highly qualified labour to African and international markets.
Ghana compared to other African tech hubs
Ghana is not the only country seeking to position itself on the African tech scene. Regional powerhouses such as Nigeria and Kenya have already gained international recognition thanks to their dynamic digital ecosystems.
In Nigeria, Lagos is often referred to as the “African Silicon Valley”. The country hosts many fintech start-ups, such as Flutterwave and Paystack, which have established themselves across the continent. However, this concentration also results in strong competition and challenges related to regulation and energy infrastructure.
In Kenya, Nairobi – nicknamed the “Silicon Savannah” – is another model. Its ecosystem is built on the success of the mobile payment pioneer M-Pesa and today attracts major investments in agritech, greentech, and digital health. Kenya also benefits from strong R&D support and a robust network of public–private partnerships.
A strategy centred on developing digital infrastructure
Ghana recognises that technological innovation cannot thrive without a solid foundation. This is why the government is investing heavily in digital infrastructure, with the goal of ensuring reliable connectivity, modernising data centres, and securing data flows. These efforts aim to create a favourable ecosystem for local start-ups, while also attracting global tech giants and international investors.
The partnership between Ghana and the UAE reflects a broader trend that extends beyond Ghana’s borders. This project demonstrates how the continent is moving decisively towards becoming a hub for innovation and digital creativity. Driven by a young population eager for opportunities and skills, and by increasing investments in infrastructure and training, Ghana is positioning itself to become one of the most dynamic hubs of the continental digital economy.
Many challenges remain, such as unequal access to infrastructure, financing needs, and the consolidation of the regulatory framework. However, such strategic initiatives demonstrate that Ghana, along with the rest of the continent, is moving resolutely towards a future in which technology will play a key role in economic and social development.
By Mathilde Assou – Charon
Legal Analyst and Member of Africa Data Protection