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In Accra\u2019s Chorkor neighborhood, young Ghanaians are using computers for the first time. Inside a modest digital lab, facilitators are teaching digital literacy skills that could change lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have learned a lot. I love technology, but these classes have helped me gain knowledge,\u201d said Emmanuel Dwamena Tenkorang, an IT student. \u201cIt has been inspirational.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Chorkor Digital Lab is part of a growing movement to equip Africa\u2019s youth with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills. American social entrepreneur Patricia Wilkins, founder of the nonprofit Basics International, launched the program to help underprivileged youth gain access to technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started just a few months ago and already have almost 100 students in three classes,\u201d Wilkins told DW. \u201cTechnology is the future. This is where the jobs are, and where people can work remotely.\u201d<\/p>\n
Across the continent, similar initiatives are expanding. On Nov. 5, more than 1,500 education and technology experts gathered in Accra for the Africa Education Trust Fund Conference to discuss AI\u2019s role in transforming education.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we talk about AI in education, we\u2019re looking at how technology can solve problems and enhance teaching and learning,\u201d said Gideon Owusu Agyemang from the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT. \u201cIntelligent tutoring systems are already assisting students, and AI will soon be dominant across education settings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not everyone in academia is fully convinced. Some educators worry about AI\u2019s potential disruption, but experts like Dr. David King, CEO of the AiAfrica Project, say those fears stem from misunderstanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea that professors are afraid of AI is because of ignorance,\u201d King said. \u201cAI has been around for more than a century. We aim to train 11 million Africans in AI technologies and have already reached 2.3 million.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former education minister Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah warned that African institutions must not lag behind. \u201cMany of us are asleep,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are in a brave new world where those who build machines will control the world. Africa must train its people to own and develop its own AI.\u201d<\/p>\n
Experts agree that strong policies are needed to guide AI adoption in education. \u201cWe need a deliberate and specific policy on AI in education,\u201d said Deborah Asmah, CEO of Npontu Technologies. \u201cIt moves us from discussion to action.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ghana\u2019s communications minister, Sam George, said the country\u2019s approach to AI must reflect African values. \u201cAI must serve our people, reflect our values, and accelerate our development goals,\u201d he said. \u201cWe welcome innovation, but we insist on inclusion, equity, and respect for our digital sovereignty. AI solutions must not be built for Africa by non-Africans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Experts say AI can accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals by improving data-driven decision-making and optimizing resource use. Professor Phoebe Koundouri, an economist and scientist, called for \u201cresponsible and inclusive AI guided by ethics and human values.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amir Dossal, a former UN undersecretary-general, said Africa is well-positioned to lead. \u201cIn this global race, Africa is not a bystander; you are the disrupters,\u201d he said. \u201cAfrica has the power to rewrite the rules of global AI.\u201d<\/p>\n
Across the continent, AI-focused education programs are growing, signaling a new chapter in Africa\u2019s digital transformation\u2014one powered by innovation, inclusivity, and local leadership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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