Gov’t backs Google AI hub as strategic boost to innovation agenda

By Prince ASUMAH

The government through the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation has endorsed the opening of Google’s new AI Community Centre in Accra, describing the facility as a critical step toward advancing the country’s digital and innovation strategy.

The centre, launched as part of the tech giant’s broader efforts to strengthen AI development across Africa, is intended to provide training, host community-driven events, and support research focused on responsible and inclusive AI systems. It also aims to build local capacity for machine learning applications tailored to African contexts.

Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George said the centre is aligned with government’s objective to create a strong technological foundation for national development. He characterised the initiative as a strategic platform for empowering young innovators in Ghana and beyond.

“This is more than just a building or space,” he noted at the launch. “It is a beacon of opportunity and a symbol of shared purpose.”

The facility is expected to play a key role in Google’s US$37 million commitment to support AI research and infrastructure development on the continent. That investment includes initiatives focused on African languages, food systems, digital skills, and research capacity across multiple countries.

The Accra hub is expected to serve as both a physical space and a collaborative environment for stakeholders in the region’s fast-growing AI ecosystem, offering early-stage developers, researchers and entrepreneurs access to technical resources and mentorship.

The government’s backing of the centre reflects a broader policy shift toward public-private partnerships in building the country’s digital economy. Authorities are increasingly looking to leverage global expertise and capital to develop innovation infrastructure capable of supporting skills development, job creation, and technology-led solutions to economic challenges.

The centre’s establishment follows similar efforts by other global tech companies seeking to expand their footprint in Africa’s digital economy, which remains underdeveloped despite rising demand for AI tools in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and financial services.

Speaking on the announcements, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs and Technology and Society at Google, James Manyika, reiterated the company’s resolve to develop AI in Africa. ‘’

Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter.

In a bid to further support the government’s One Million Coders program, the company has pledged to roll out 100,000 Google Career Certificate Scholarships for students in higher education institutions across the country. These programs will focus on courses in  AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials, Data Analytics, and other high-growth fields that will enable students to build careers in IT and the digital economy.

It is important to note that these commitments from Google align with the government’s agenda of equipping the youth for national development through training in IT.

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