Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), to construct a $1 billion innovation hub in Accra.
Under the agreement, PCFC will fully fund the investment, while Ghana will provide land for the project, located in Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra Region.
The 25-square-kilometer facility is expected to begin construction in 2026 and be completed before the end of 2027.
Mr. Sam George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, signed on behalf of Ghana, while Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman of PCFC, signed for the UAE.
Mr. George noted that the partnership between Ghana, PCFC, and G42—one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence firms—would revolutionize technology in the country.
The agreement, he said, aligns with President Mahama’s vision of transforming Ghana into Africa’s next AI hub through the launch of the One Million Coders Programme.
“As you train a million coders, you need to have jobs for these coders, and that is where PCFC comes in,” he said.
“With the innovation hub built in Ghana, PCFC will bring along over 11,000 companies under its umbrella in the UAE to establish a Ghanaian presence.”
PCFC has played a pivotal role in transforming Dubai’s AI ecosystem and currently operates over 11 innovation hubs in the city. It also partners with leading global tech companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.
Mr. George explained that although PCFC already serves over 11,000 clients globally—including in Africa—it currently does not have an operational hub on the continent.
“Ghana, being the gateway to Africa, reached out to the company to establish the hub,” he said.
“The facility will attract major global tech companies to Ghana, positioning our country as a centre for Business Process Outsourcing, Knowledge Process Outsourcing, AI Engineering, and other emerging technology sectors.”
He assured that the company would not outsource human capital from abroad but would instead employ Ghanaians through the One Million Coders Programme.
The Minister described the agreement as “bold in ambition” and grounded in mutual respect, adding that it is built on a shared understanding that digital transformation is no longer optional, but essential.
This initiative, he emphasized, aims to cement Ghana’s status as a continental leader in digital innovation and technological advancement.
Mr. Bin Sulayem highlighted the role of technology in driving future development, stating:
“The wealth of a country depends on its ability to generate new ideas and innovations that spur sustainable growth.”
He reaffirmed PCFC’s commitment to partnering with Ghana to enhance technological development in the country and create jobs for its citizens.
GNA
