Ghana takes lead in Africa’s AI education drive

The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that Ghana is strategically positioning itself as a leading hub for AI-driven education in Africa. The announcement follows his engagement with the Vice President of Google at the ongoing Generative AI Summit in the United Kingdom, where discussions focused on advancing learning outcomes and digital skills across Ghana and the continent.

“Ghana is not just participating in the AI revolution; we are helping to shape it for Africa,” Minister Iddrisu emphasized, highlighting the country’s proactive approach to leveraging artificial intelligence for education. He later confirmed the details on his official Facebook page, providing the public with direct access to the announcement.

In July 2025, Google announced a US$37 million investment aimed at AI research and digital skills development across Africa. This includes the launch of a new AI Community Center in Accra, forming part of Google’s broader US$1 billion commitment to the continent’s digital transformation. With these initiatives, Ghana is firmly positioned as a hub for AI innovation in Africa, opening new opportunities for students, educators, and tech entrepreneurs.

Google is collaborating with the University of Ghana and GDI Hub to advance AI and speech recognition technologies for local languages, including Twi, Ewe, and Dagbani. The focus is on non-standard speech patterns, improving accessibility in education and digital services.

Minister Iddrisu stressed the importance of including Hausa, a widely spoken language in Ghana and West Africa. “Integrating Hausa will deepen regional inclusion and further strengthen Ghana’s leadership as an AI innovation hub on the continent,” he said.

Beyond technology, this partnership seeks to redefine education in Ghana. By integrating local languages, curriculum-aligned AI tools, and digital skills training, the initiative ensures that learners across all regions can access high-quality educational resources. It also sets a model for other African countries seeking to harness AI responsibly and inclusively.

With Google’s support and strategic investments, Ghana is not only keeping pace with global AI developments but is setting the benchmark for Africa. This collaboration signals a new era in educational innovation, with Ghana leading the continent in shaping the future of AI-powered learning.