Ghana has taken a major leap toward becoming Africa’s digital powerhouse through a landmark $1 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates’ Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) to build a cutting-edge innovation hub in the Greater Accra region.
Set on a sprawling 25-square-kilometre site in Ningo Prampram, the facility aims to revolutionize Ghana’s technology landscape, with construction slated to start in 2026 and wrap up by the end of 2027. While PCFC will fully finance the project, Ghana’s government will provide the land, marking a significant collaboration in continental tech development.
Signed by Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, and PCFC Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the agreement aligns closely with President Mahama’s vision to position Ghana as Africa’s leading AI hub. Central to this vision is the “one million coders” initiative, designed to develop a vast pool of homegrown tech talent.
Minister George emphasized that the innovation hub will create tangible job opportunities for these coders, drawing on PCFC’s expansive network of over 11,000 companies, including tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. The hub will serve as a gateway for these firms to establish a strong African presence right in Ghana.
PCFC’s track record in transforming Dubai’s AI ecosystem is expected to bring world-class expertise to Ghana, fostering growth in emerging sectors such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), and AI engineering.
A key promise of the partnership is the commitment to employ Ghanaians, leveraging the coders programme to build local capacity rather than relying on foreign talent.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this venture, Mr. Bin Sulayem called technology a cornerstone for sustainable development and reiterated PCFC’s dedication to empowering Ghana’s digital economy and creating meaningful employment.
This bold initiative marks a new chapter in Ghana’s digital transformation journey, underscoring the country’s ambition to lead technological innovation and economic growth across Africa.
