UgandaToday: Ghana Hosts Maiden Africa Education Trust Fund Artificial Intelligence Conference
Source: Africa Publicity | Accra, Ghana
Ghana has successfully hosted the first-ever Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference, a landmark gathering that brought together ministers, traditional and religious leaders, innovators, students, policymakers, researchers, and investors to chart a shared technological future for the continent.
Organised by the Africa Education Trust Fund (AETF), the conference took place on November 5, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) under the theme:
“AI for Africa: Unlocking Opportunities for Education, Innovation, and Sustainable Development.”
The event featured cutting-edge exhibitions showcasing how AI is transforming education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and urban development. Visionary leaders, scholars, and innovators used the platform to explore Africa-centric solutions and opportunities within the global AI ecosystem.
Strategic Action for Africa’s Digital Future
Representing Ghana’s President, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah urged African countries to take bold and strategic steps to position themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution.
“Countries that harness AI are already seeing gains in learning outcomes, health system efficiency, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience,” he said.
He highlighted examples such as AI language translation tools making education more inclusive in Mali, and sign-language AI technologies transforming learning experiences for deaf students in Kenya.
Mr. Debrah reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to AI leadership through initiatives such as the National AI Strategy and the One Million Coders Programme, but cautioned that “the full potential of AI will not be realised with passive efforts.” “Africa must decide whether to shape the future or be shaped by it,” he concluded.
Africa Must Feed Its Voice Into Global AI
The Chairman of AETF, H.E. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, described AI as “a new frontier — one Africa cannot afford to miss.”
He warned that Africa risks becoming irrelevant in global AI governance if the continent fails to take swift, coordinated action.
“The real opportunity lies in data and applications. Let us start small, with clear, results-driven initiatives that directly improve lives,” he advised.
Dr. Spio-Garbrah hailed Ghana’s $50 million Innovation Fund and revealed the Trust Fund’s ambition to establish a multi-billion-dollar platform to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.
“Africa is not just a user of technology; we are the next frontier of innovation,” he emphasised.
AI Rooted in African Values
In a message delivered on his behalf, His Royal Majesty Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse and chair of the conference, called for AI development guided by African identity, values, and lived realities.
“AI must work for Africa, not merely on Africa,” he said.
“It can transform how we learn, farm, heal, and govern — but only if Africa remains at the centre of its design and application.”
The Ga Mantse encouraged the continent to transition from being consumers of imported technology to becoming creators and owners of indigenous technological solutions.
Developing Ethical and Inclusive Legal Frameworks
Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, announced the drafting of a comprehensive Emerging Technologies Bill to regulate AI, Blockchain and quantum computing.
“Our goal is not just digital transformation, but the restoration of Africa’s technological sovereignty,” he said. The Bill, once approved, will serve as the legal backbone for responsible and ethical AI adoption across Ghana.
UNESCO Representative Mr. Edmond Moukala urged African governments to strengthen local AI ecosystems and ensure that AI integration remains inclusive and context-specific.
Tech leaders including Mr. Moses Baiden (Margins ID Group), Mr. Bright Simons (mPedigree) and Ghana’s Minister of Sports Hon. Kofi Adams underscored the importance of political will, youth education, and prioritising African innovation.
Defining Africa’s Digital Future
The AETF AI Conference created a collaborative platform for academia, industry and government stakeholders to discuss how AI can strengthen Africa’s education systems, financial sector, agribusiness, energy management, and governance.
Participants affirmed a shared continental vision:
Africa’s digital transformation must be led by Africans, powered by ethical AI, and rooted in education, innovation, and social inclusion.
Sponsors & Partners
Margins ID Group, ONESTA, Intelligent Card Production Systems, Glico, Minerals Income Investment Fund, Fidelity Bank, GCB Bank, Bank of Ghana, and the College of Sustainable Transformation and Development.
About the Africa Education Trust Fund (AETF)
The AETF was established through a partnership among the Association of African Universities (AAU), the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), and the Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS).
It aims to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, and investment across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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