Ghana and Japan discuss AI capacity-building programme for students

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George (MP), has held discussions with a delegation from Japan’s University of Tokyo on a proposed artificial intelligence and data science training programme for Ghanaian students.

The discussions focused on the Resource Development in AI/Data Science for Africa’s Economic Growth Initiative, led by the Matsuo Laboratory of the University of Tokyo. The initiative seeks to expand the Global Consumer Intelligence (GCI) programme to Africa, with a target of training 30,000 AI professionals over the next three years in collaboration with African universities and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Under the proposal, the programme in Ghana would be delivered online in English and target students in public universities and selected secondary schools. Certification would be linked to employability and the acquisition of practical digital skills relevant to the labour market.

The discussions also covered complementary components, including entrepreneurship support in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and employment opportunities through partnerships between Japanese companies and local startups, to be facilitated by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives in Ghana(JACCI).

The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to partnerships that support digital skills development and strengthen Ghana’s participation in the global AI and digital ecosystem.

The Japanese delegation was led by Yutaka Matsuo, with Mr. Watanabe Masashi and Madam Erin Hirakawa in attendance.

Ghana has in recent years stepped up efforts to expand artificial intelligence and digital skills training as part of its broader digital transformation agenda. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has worked with national agencies responsible for communications regulation, cybersecurity, data protection and information technology to support digital innovation and workforce development.

The country has also partnered with international development institutions and policy organisations, including the World Bank, GIZ and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, to strengthen digital infrastructure, public-sector digitalisation and skills development, with an increasing focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Source: Diplomatic Times