Ghana’s investment in geospatial technology and artificial intelligence (Geo-AI) is opening new frontiers for business growth, innovation and job creation, with experts urging young entrepreneurs to position themselves in the emerging digital economy.
The commissioning of a Geospatial Intelligence (GeoInt) Laboratory and the launch of fundraising for a Geo-Artificial Intelligence (Geo-AI) Centre at the University of Ghana have brought to the fore the growing commercial potential of geospatial technologies in sectors ranging from agriculture and mining to construction, insurance, logistics and climate services.
Industry players and academics say demand for geospatial data, satellite imagery, mapping solutions and artificial intelligence-powered spatial analysis is increasing as businesses seek more efficient ways to make investment decisions and improve productivity.
Brent Nartey, Chief Executive Officer of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd. and an alumnus of the University of Ghana’s Department of Geography and Resource Development, said the convergence of Geography and Artificial Intelligence would create significant economic opportunities for Ghana.
He noted that businesses were increasingly relying on geospatial intelligence to optimise operations, manage natural resources, reduce project risks and improve infrastructure planning.
“Geo-AI is no longer confined to academic research. It is becoming an important business tool that supports investment decisions, environmental management, disaster preparedness and sustainable urban development,” he said.
According to Mr Nartey, the rapid growth of digital technologies presents opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish businesses specialising in drone mapping, digital surveying, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite data analytics, environmental consulting and location intelligence services.
He stressed that developing a competitive geospatial industry would require collaboration between universities, government institutions, technology companies and investors to build the skilled workforce needed to support the sector.
Professor Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, a faculty member and former Head of the Department, said the proposed Geo-Artificial Intelligence Centre would serve as a platform for advanced research, innovation and practical training while supporting businesses with evidence-based solutions.
She explained that geospatial intelligence is increasingly being applied in land administration, infrastructure development, climate adaptation, flood risk management and environmental sustainability.
“As businesses and governments generate more spatial data, there is growing demand for professionals who can analyse that information and transform it into practical solutions for planning and investment,” she said.
Professor Wrigley-Asante noted that the Centre would help nurture entrepreneurs capable of developing innovative digital products and services for both local and international markets.
She encouraged development partners and the private sector to support the establishment of the Centre, describing it as an investment in Ghana’s future knowledge economy.
The incoming Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, said innovation and applied research would be critical to improving Ghana’s competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He said universities had an important responsibility to equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills that respond to changing labour market demands.
According to Prof. Codjoe, facilities such as the GeoInt Laboratory would strengthen research while creating opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.
Experts believe the commercial applications of Geo-AI will continue to expand as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and respond to climate-related risks.
Potential business opportunities include precision agriculture, mineral exploration, smart city planning, transport and logistics optimisation, real estate development, renewable energy planning, telecommunications network design and disaster risk assessment.
The establishment of the Geo-Artificial Intelligence Centre is therefore expected to strengthen Ghana’s geospatial innovation ecosystem, attract research partnerships and support the development of technology-driven enterprises.
Stakeholders say sustained investment in geospatial education, digital infrastructure and innovation hubs could position Ghana as a regional centre for Geo-AI research and commercial applications, while creating high-value jobs for young professionals and supporting long-term economic transformation.
