The Ghana government and Chinese technology giant Huawei have formalized a partnership to train 3,000 young women in artificial intelligence (AI), officials announced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona.
The program aims to integrate emerging technologies into Ghana’s digital education framework and strengthen technical skills among women entering the country’s growing digital economy.
The initiative includes an accelerated AI training module, which, according to Minister of Communications, Digital Technologies and Innovations Samuel Nartey George, will prepare participants for high-value segments of the technology sector. Upon completing the course, trainees will join the national “One Million Coders” program to specialize further in programming and advanced technologies.
The partnership builds on Ghana’s long-running “Girls in ICT” program, launched in 2012 to reduce the digital gender gap. Since its inception, the initiative has trained around 18,000 girls and 1,700 teachers in areas including web development, coding, and cybersecurity. The addition of AI skills aims to meet evolving labour-market demands.
The program aligns with Ghana’s broader national AI strategy, which includes a $250 million investment to strengthen digital infrastructure, including the creation of a national computing center. Government officials say these efforts aim to capture a portion of the economic value AI could generate in Africa, estimated at US$1.2–$1.5 trillion by 2030, provided the continent develops sufficient talent and data infrastructure.
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Discussions between Ghana and Huawei also addressed plans to expand connectivity and deploy 5G networks across the country. Additionally, the two parties explored the potential establishment of a smartphone assembly plant in Ghana to produce low-cost devices and boost mobile broadband adoption.
Officials emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader push to bridge the digital gender gap and position Ghana as a hub for technology innovation in West Africa. By focusing on AI and advanced digital skills, the program seeks to equip women with the competencies needed for high-growth tech sectors.
The initiative is expected to complement ongoing efforts to develop a pipeline of local talent capable of supporting emerging industries, reducing reliance on foreign expertise, and fostering inclusive economic growth driven by technology.
