Latest news with #PCFC
Trade Arabia
10 hours ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Ghana, UAE sign $1bn Accra innovation hub deal
Ghana is set to benefit immensely from a newly signed $1 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build a cutting-edge innovation hub in Accra, solidifying its ambitions to lead Africa's digital transformation. The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ghana's Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation and the UAE's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), marks a significant milestone in Ghana's push to become a continental AI hub. Fully funded by PCFC, the innovation hub will span 25 sq km in Ningo Prampram, Greater Accra. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by the end of 2027. Ghana will provide the land, while PCFC brings the capital, technology, and global partnerships. Sam George, Ghana's Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, signed on behalf of the government, while Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman of PCFC, represented the UAE. According to George, the initiative reflects President Mahama's vision of transforming Ghana into Africa's next artificial intelligence nerve centre through the 'One Million Coders' programme. 'As you train a million coders, you need to have jobs for these coders, and that is where PCFC comes in,' he said. 'Having the innovation hub built in Ghana, PCFC will come along with the over 11,000 companies that are under their umbrella in the UAE to have a Ghanaian presence.' PCFC is instrumental in the digital transformation of Dubai and currently operates over 11 innovation hubs in collaboration with global tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. With no current footprint in Africa, Ghana's strategic location and skilled youth population made it a natural choice for PCFC's first continental hub. 'Ghana, being the gateway to Africa, reached out to the company to establish the hub,' George added. 'The facility will attract all the big top tech companies in Ghana. So our Business Process Outsourcing, Knowledge Process Outsourcing, AI Engineering, and all the new emerging technology fields will be positioned here in Africa.' He emphasised that the hub would prioritise local talent, employing Ghanaians trained through the coders programme rather than importing foreign skillsets. Bin Sulayem underscored the broader significance of the project: 'The wealth of a country relied on its new ideas or innovation to advance the needed growth for sustainable development.' He reiterated PCFC's long-term commitment to Ghana, promising that the partnership would not only boost technological capacity but also generate thousands of jobs.
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Ghana, UAE sign $1bn deal to build AI and tech hub hosting Microsoft, Meta, others
Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a technology and innovation hub aimed at accelerating Ghana's digital transformation and positioning the country as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Ghana and the UAE have jointly established a plan for the 'Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub.' This initiative aims to foster digital transformation in Ghana and position it as a leader in AI and emerging technologies. Major global tech companies, such as Microsoft and Alphabet, are expected to engage in this expansive project. Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a technology and innovation hub aimed at accelerating Ghana's digital transformation and positioning the country as a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The agreement was signed by Ghana's Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and the Chairman of the UAE's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Ghana's growing tech reputation The initiative, named the 'Ghana-UAE Innovations and Technology Hub,' is expected to attract over 11,000 global technology firms, including global tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, IBM, and Alphabet seeking to expand their presence in the country and across the continent. The companies under the PCFC umbrella will serve as a regional base for AI engineering, business process outsourcing (BPO), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), and data generation for Africa-focused machine learning. The PCFC will fully fund the first phase of the project in collaboration with leading AI firms involved in Dubai's AI transformation. This phase will include the development of a 25 square kilometre (Km2) site in Ningo-Prampram with the government providing the land for the initiative. Ghana has earned a growing reputation as one of Africa's emerging tech hubs, driven by proactive government policies, vibrant startup activity, and increasing international interest. In April 2019, Google opened Africa's first centre for artificial intelligence (AI), in Accra, Ghana.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
PCFC and Ghana to establish economic zone, digital incubator
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country's transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometre area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone's operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC's commitment to supporting the UAE's global outreach and sharing Dubai's pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. 'This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC's role as a key contributor to Dubai's knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai's status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation.'' He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana's trust in PCFC's expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. 'This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana's industrial and technological infrastructure.'' Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana's economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. 'This initiative aligns with Ghana's vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.' In February, The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Cordiant Capital, a global investor in infrastructure and real assets, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance their strategic collaboration to strengthen Dubai's agriculture value chain and bolster its food security initiatives. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will work together to explore opportunities to optimise end-to-end agricultural value chains from origin-producing countries to Dubai through infrastructure investments, strategic trade corridors, and supply chain solutions. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Cédric Garnier-Landurie, Partner and Head of Agriculture Value Chain at Cordiant Capital, in a ceremony held at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. This partnership reinforces PCFC's commitment to developing innovative logistics and supply chain solutions aligned with Dubai's long-term vision for sustainable food security. The collaboration between PCFC and Cordiant Capital paves the way for the two parties to cooperate in: Building Next-Generation Cold Chain Networks: Implementing advanced cold-chain logistics systems that will maintain optimal freshness from farm to table, dramatically reducing food waste while ensuring consistent quality of perishable goods. Enhancing Dubai's Position as a Fresh Food Hub: Supporting Dubai's goal of becoming a global hub for fresh food distribution by leveraging PCFC's logistical capabilities and Cordiant's investment expertise in agriculture supply chains. Strategic Trade Corridors: Strengthening efficient, digitally enabled trade routes that optimize the movement of agricultural products while reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. Advancing National Food Security: Supporting Dubai's vision of becoming a leader in food security by investing in sustainable agricultural practices and cutting-edge supply chain solutions. Technology and Innovation: Deploying advanced technologies including IoT sensors, AI-powered analytics, and blockchain-enabled tracking systems to create unprecedented visibility and efficiency across the entire supply chain. These initiatives will support Dubai's ambitious food security strategy, which aims to enhance the emirate's agricultural self-sufficiency and diversify its food sources. The partnership leverages PCFC's unparalleled logistics expertise and Cordiant Capital's agricultural and infrastructure investment expertise to support fresh food supply chains in key markets. WAM
2 days ago
- Business
PCFC Signs MoU with Ghana to Develop First Economic Zone and Digital Incubator in Accra
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) of Dubai has signed a landmark agreement with the Government of Ghana to establish the country's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra, marking a major step in positioning Ghana as a regional tech hub. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. The deal grants PCFC a 25 square kilometer area in Accra to develop and operate the zone. The initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation in West Africa by attracting global technology companies, enhancing digital infrastructure, and supporting investment and innovation across the region. 'This project reflects Dubai's commitment to global collaboration and sharing its model of innovation-led development,' said bin Sulayem. He emphasized PCFC's role in promoting sustainable growth, technology advancement, and knowledge-based economies worldwide. Ghana's Minister Samuel Nartey George noted that the economic zone aligns with the country's broader digital agenda. 'It will play a pivotal role in attracting international businesses and talent, placing Accra on the map as a prime destination for tech investment.' Joint teams from both countries, including experts in AI and investment, will oversee the project. The zone is expected to empower local businesses, drive job creation, and boost regional economic connectivity. The agreement marks a strategic milestone in UAE-Ghana relations and underscores a shared commitment to digital innovation and inclusive growth across Africa. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
PCFC and Government of Ghana sign MoU to establish an economic zone & digital incubator in Accra
Samuel Nartey George: This partnership will position Ghana as a regional hub for technological advancement in Africa The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country's transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa. The MoU was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometer area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone's operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone. H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC's commitment to supporting the UAE's global outreach and sharing Dubai's pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. 'This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC's role as a key contributor to Dubai's knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai's status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation'. He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana's trust in PCFC's expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. 'This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana's industrial and technological infrastructure'. Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana's economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. 'This initiative aligns with Ghana's vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.' PCFC will implement and manage the advanced digital infrastructure in the zone to support the growth of local and regional businesses across Africa. The project will provide a robust platform for innovation, investment opportunities that empower global and local expansion. Dedicated teams from both countries specializing in AI and investment will manage the zone, fostering innovation, business growth and regional connectivity. The collaboration aims to empower local communities, traders, and investors, driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress across the continent. The partnership marks a major milestone in fostering international partnerships that advance technology and economic development, positioning Ghana at the forefront of Africa's digital future.
