Latest news with #SamuelNarteyGeorge
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ukraine and Ghana Agreed to Develop Cooperation in Cybersecurity, Digitalization, and Information Technologies
Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, Anton Demokhin held an online meeting with the Minister for Communication, Information Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Ghana, Samuel Nartey George. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in expanding areas of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and Ghana and outlined priority areas for collaboration in digitalization, digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity, and combating cybercrime. The parties agreed to work in detail on relevant cooperation tracks between our countries, involving the respective government agencies. "The growing dynamic of Ukrainian-Ghanaian dialogue at the highest political level, as well as between our foreign ministers, clearly demonstrates the mutual interest of Ukraine and Ghana in developing broad bilateral cooperation. We commend Ghana's Digital Agenda as a timely step towards the global digital economy and believe that Ukrainian experience would support the initiatives on agenda", - emphasized the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine. Anton Demokhin informed the Minister for Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Ghana about Ukraine's experience in digitalization and digital transformation, innovation development, and the strengthening of cyber capabilities. Samuel Nartey George expressed Ghana's interest in learning from Ukraine's cybersecurity experience as well as in applying artificial intelligence technologies in public administration, establishing the institution of Chief Digital Transformation Officers (CDTOs), and improving digital literacy among the population. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine also spoke about initiatives aimed at showcasing the potential of Ukraine's IT market and facilitating business connections with leading Ukrainian tech companies, including the Code-UA platform. Anton Demokhin emphasized the strong interest of Ukrainian IT companies in developing mutually beneficial cooperation with both the private and public sectors in Ghana. In this context, both sides agreed on the advisability of organizing a joint Ukrainian-Ghanaian IT Forum. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine thanked his counterpart for Ghana's principled position and participation in international efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. The negotiations continued the bilateral dialogue initiated on the sidelines of the Second Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building, held on May 13–14 in Geneva. Representatives of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine also participated in the meeting. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Business Insider
3 days 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.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
How stablecoins are rapidly reshaping Africa's money sovereignty
A notable evolution among African governments has been the significant strides in digital asset regulation. Image: File. The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This was according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who noted that while discussions at last year's Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year's event marked a decisive shift, from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. 'In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain's possibilities, but in 2025, the emphasis was on practical applications, particularly in the realms of stablecoins and AI. The discussion revealed that financial innovation, including digital currencies, is increasingly viewed as foundational to governance and public service delivery.' she said. This perspective was reinforced by Ghana's Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, who emphasised that the future of governance must incorporate digital currencies and AI to enhance transparency and efficiency. A tangible reality Darko said that these sentiments resonated across the forum, reinforcing how digital tools have evolved from niche, frontier technologies to central economic instruments, underscoring the fact that stablecoins is not just a theoretical concept. but is already a tangible reality in countries like Nigeria and Ghana and other emerging markets in Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A notable evolution among African governments has been the significant strides in digital asset regulation. The Bank of Ghana announced that it will commence regulation of stablecoins and digital assets by September 2025, following the draft guidelines issued in August 2024. The finalised framework will introduce licensing requirements, anti-money laundering compliance and joint oversight with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 'This shift reflects a broader trend across Africa, where nations like Ghana and Rwanda are being recognised for their investments in digital infrastructure and policy frameworks. This highlighted that cross-border digital alignments, including AI and digital assets, must be a priority, not a luxury, if African governments want sovereign control over future economic levers,' Darko said. 'The growing consensus is clear: regulations should support innovation, not stifle it. Ghana's approach aligns with this sentiment, ensuring that digital finance remains a tool for transparency, efficiency and economic empowerment rather than an unregulated frontier.' Foundational pillar of sovereignty Given the increased focus on the adoption and regulation of digital assets, stablecoins are quietly emerging as a foundational pillar of sovereignty in Africa. At first glance, stablecoins might seem unrelated to supply chain resilience, but Africa's sovereignty will depend on how it manages its infrastructure, including payments. 'By enabling African companies to transact without relying on volatile local currencies or US dollar dependencies, stablecoins offer a practical solution that aligns seamlessly with Africa's ambitions for seamless intra-continental payments,' Darko added. 'Throughout the Forum, I observed synergies; ways in which this technology could be integrated into broader economic frameworks. The key takeaway remains that Africa must build infrastructure that works for its own unique challenges, rather than adopting external models that don't fit its realities.' She added that, across multiple industries, new thinking continues to emerge on how digital assets can be integrated into practical solutions, reinforcing Africa's financial sovereignty and cross-border efficiency. As these discussions evolve, the question remains: How can different sectors leverage this technology to build resilient, inclusive financial ecosystems? Cater to Africa's tech -savvy youth 'The next phase in this ecosystem must cater to the growing, tech-savvy youth population in Africa, which is building massive businesses and driving economic expansion. Data published by the International Monetary Fund shows that by 2050, one in four people globally will be African, with consumer expenditure projected to reach billions. This demographic shift demands a financial ecosystem that keeps pace with their ambitions,' Darko said. 'As a result, regulation will advance, infrastructure will improve, and digital financial solutions must evolve to support Africa's next economic leap. The foundation has been laid; now it is about scaling it to match the aspirations of a rapidly growing, digitally sophisticated population.' 'The momentum is undeniable as Africa is moving at an unprecedented pace, and witnessing this transformation firsthand is both exciting and inspiring,' Darko said. Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card. Image: Supplied.
Gulf Today
4 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
Hi Dubai
4 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
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
