Ghana is seeking to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and data science skills as part of a broader push to strengthen the digital economy, following high-level talks with Japan’s University of Tokyo on a structured training programme for students.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, met a delegation from the University of Tokyo to explore Ghana’s participation in the Resource Development in AI/Data Science for Africa’s Economic Growth Initiative, led by the university’s Matsuo Laboratory. The initiative is designed to expand Africa’s AI talent base by scaling the Global Consumer Intelligence programme across the continent.
Under the plan, up to 30,000 AI professionals are expected to be trained over the next three years through partnerships with African universities and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Ghana is expected to be among the early beneficiaries as it steps up efforts to align education, innovation and employment in emerging technologies.
In Ghana, the proposed programme would be delivered online in English, targeting students in public universities and selected secondary schools. Certification would be tied to employability, with training focused on practical, industry-relevant skills in artificial intelligence and data science rather than purely academic outcomes.
Beyond skills development, discussions also covered entrepreneurship and job creation. The framework includes support for digital startups in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, as well as employment linkages between Japanese companies and Ghanaian tech firms, facilitated by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives in Ghana.
The talks underscore the government’s emphasis on strategic partnerships that deliver tangible economic value, including skills transfer, local capacity building and deeper integration into global technology networks. As AI adoption reshapes industries worldwide, Ghana is positioning its young workforce to compete for digital jobs while attracting international partners with advanced technical expertise.
The University of Tokyo delegation was led by Professor Yutaka Matsuo, with Watanabe Masashi and Erin Hirakawa also participating in the discussions.
