Ghana and the United Arab Emirates have signed a $1 billion strategic investment agreement to develop Africa’s largest integrated innovation and artificial intelligence hub. The project is expected to significantly strengthen Ghana’s digital economy and position the country as a regional technology leader.
The agreement reflects growing international confidence in Ghana’s digital and economic future.
Strategic Partnership to Boost Technology and Innovation
The investment forms part of a broader bilateral partnership between Ghana and the UAE. The goal is to advance artificial intelligence development, digital infrastructure, and startup growth in Ghana.
The hub will be located in Ningo Prampram in the Greater Accra Region. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Under the agreement, the Government of Ghana will provide land and policy support. The UAE will finance and oversee development through the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).
A large portion of the funding will focus on AI infrastructure and advanced computing.
Investment Breakdown and Key Components
AI Infrastructure Development
About $400 million has been allocated to high-performance AI infrastructure. This includes $180 million for an AI Compute Hub to be developed by UAE-based technology company G42. The facility will use renewable energy and liquid cooling systems to improve efficiency.
National Digital Identity System
$100 million will fund a national AI-powered digital identity system. The platform will be built on Falcon’s large language models through AI71.
Ghana AI Startup Studio
$120 million will support the creation of a Ghana AI Startup Studio in partnership with Hub71. The initiative aims to attract and scale up to 100 AI startups by 2030.
Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
$350 million has been earmarked for large-scale digital infrastructure. This includes $150 million for 5G deployment in three major urban centres and $120 million for a Tier IV hyperscale data centre.
Renewable Energy Systems
$80 million will be invested in renewable and AI-optimised power systems. The project will be delivered by Masdar Digital.
Innovation and Ecosystem Development
$250 million will support talent development, innovation, and capital formation. This includes $75 million for a Ghana UAE AI and Web3 campus supported by the Dubai Future Foundation, $100 million for a Ghana Startup Fund backed by ADQ and Chimaera Capital, and $75 million for an annual UAE Ghana Innovation and AI Summit known as GAIX.
Economic and Regional Impact
The hub is expected to support AI engineering, applied research, business process outsourcing, and knowledge process outsourcing. It is designed to attract global technology firms such as Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, IBM, and Alphabet. The project will also strengthen local enterprise capacity, support skills development, and create employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
