Drones and AI are at the forefront of Ghana’s strategy to accelerate industrial development, improve export capacity, and open new avenues for employment.
Speaking at the Drone Ignite Africa Summit 2026 in Accra, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, said, “Drones and AI are no longer future concepts but practical economic tools” already enhancing productivity and governance across sectors such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure, environmental protection, and public safety.
In agriculture, precision technologies, ranging from crop monitoring and smart irrigation to targeted application and yield forecasting, are being adopted to boost productivity, reduce costs, and limit environmental impact. These innovations are also creating new career paths for young Ghanaians in agri-tech, geospatial services, and data-driven solutions.
In mining and industry, drone-based surveys and AI analytics are improving operational efficiency, environmental monitoring, land management, and compliance, while strengthening investor confidence. Experts at the summit highlighted how these technologies can also enhance institutional capacity, support innovation, and improve data collection in mining communities, promoting responsible and sustainable operations.
The government aims to shift Ghana from being a consumer of imported technologies to a developer and exporter, supported by clear regulations, innovation financing, and regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Deputy Minister called on the private sector, academia, development partners, and young innovators to join forces with the government to build a technology-driven industrial ecosystem. Industry leaders encouraged young professionals to explore drones as a viable career path, reflecting a broader push to integrate technology into Ghana’s industrial strategy.
