Ghana and the United Arab Emirates have signed a landmark $1 billion strategic investment agreement to develop what is poised to become Africa’s largest integrated innovation and artificial intelligence hub. The ambitious project will significantly enhance Ghana’s digital infrastructure and technological capacity, targeting regional and global markets alike.Set to be constructed in Ningo–Prampram, within Ghana’s Greater Accra Region, the innovation hub is scheduled to break ground in 2026. Under the terms of the agreement, Ghana will provide the land and a supportive policy framework, while the UAE, through its Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), will finance and oversee the development.
A substantial portion of the investment around $400 million is earmarked for advanced AI and computing infrastructure. This includes $180 million dedicated to an AI Compute Hub, which will be developed by UAE-based tech giant G42. The facility promises to be environmentally forward-thinking, employing renewable energy and liquid-cooling technologies. An additional $100 million will fund a national AI-powered digital identity system based on Falcon large language models, developed through AI71. The remaining $120 million will support the establishment of the Ghana AI Startup Studio in partnership with Hub71, with plans to incubate and scale up to 100 AI startups by 2030.
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The agreement’s digital infrastructure pillar includes $350 million aimed at large-scale innovation initiatives. Key components feature a $150 million deployment of 5G networks across three urban centres, led by e& UAE, and a $120 million construction of a Tier IV hyperscale data centre. Another $80 million will be invested in renewable, AI-optimised power systems delivered by Masdar Digital. Satellite internet connectivity is also planned to extend digital access to rural innovation hubs beyond Ghana’s urban centres. To ensure sustainable ecosystem growth, $250 million is allocated to innovation, talent development, and capital formation. This includes $75 million for a Ghana–UAE AI and Web3 campus backed by the Dubai Future Foundation, $100 million for a Ghana Startup Fund supported by ADQ and Chimera Capital, and $75 million to establish an annual UAE–Ghana Innovation and AI Summit — the GAIX.
Officials emphasize that this development transcends the traditional concept of a technology park. The hub is expected to facilitate AI engineering, applied research, business and knowledge process outsourcing, and Africa-focused data and machine learning operations. It also aims to attract multinational technology giants such as Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, IBM, and Alphabet, while simultaneously boosting local enterprise capacity and skills.
This agreement exemplifies a growing trend towards infrastructure-led, long-term technology investment in Africa. For Ghana, the project strengthens its vision to become a regional digital and innovation hub, driving job creation and skills transfer. For the UAE, it aligns with its global strategy to expand technology partnerships in emerging markets. With construction slated for 2026, this represents one of Ghana’s largest single technology investments to date, underscoring rising confidence in the country’s digital and economic future.
