Ghana has signed a $1 billion memorandum of understanding with the United Arab Emirates to establish Africa’s largest innovation and technology center in Ningo-Prampram, a groundbreaking initiative to establish itself as a digital economy leader.

The agreement was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai’s Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, and Ghana’s Minister of Communication and Digital Technology, Samuel Nartey George.

The digital and innovation landscape of West Africa is anticipated to be transformed by the ambitious project, which will encompass 25 square kilometers.

The Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology City, which serves as the center, is intended to draw the attention of global technology titans including Microsoft, Oracle, Meta, IBM, and Alphabet.

It will function as a hub for AI engineering, business process outsourcing (BPO), data analytics, and tech firms that concentrate on African markets.

It is anticipated that more than 11,000 international companies will establish operations within the hub, which could result in the creation of tens of thousands of employments and a cascading effect on the region’s economy.

The entire infrastructure development is being funded by the UAE, while Ghana is providing the land and facilitating the necessary approvals and policy environment.

The initial phase of this public-private collaboration is anticipated to be finalized by 2027, with subsequent phases to follow.
The hub will also serve as a focus for the development of local tech talent and the promotion of innovation by housing research institutions, digital laboratories, and incubation centers.

The agreement has been praised by experts as a strategic victory for Ghana and a message to the international community that Africa is prepared for significant technological investments.

It represents a significant advancement in the continent’s pursuit of digital transformation and underscores the growing interest of Middle Eastern stakeholders in Africa’s technology-driven future.