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Ghana, Japan discuss launching AI and data science training programme
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University of Tokyo-led initiative targets 30,000 African AI professionals
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Plan supports youth employment amid high joblessness and digital skills demand
Ghana is discussing plans with Japan to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) and data science training programme for students, aimed at equipping young people with future-ready digital skills and strengthening the country’s role in the global digital ecosystem.
The discussions took place last week during talks between Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and a delegation from the University of Tokyo.
The proposed programme forms part of the “Development of AI/Data Science Resources for Economic Growth in Africa” initiative led by the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Laboratory. The initiative seeks to build Africa’s AI capacity by extending the Global Consumer Intelligence (GCI) programme to the continent, with plans to train 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 would be delivered online in English to students at public universities and selected secondary schools, with industry-recognised certification designed to improve employability and practical digital skills.
Talks also addressed support for entrepreneurship in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as job opportunities through collaborations between Japanese companies and local startups facilitated by JICA.
The government is also seeking local and international partnerships to strengthen digital skills training for young people.
As part of its “One Million Coders” programme, which aims to train one million young people over four years, Ghana has already engaged potential partners including TikTok, TECHAiDE, Google, Huawei, Microsoft, AWS and Code Racoon. These efforts come as the World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Youth unemployment remains a major challenge. Official data show that unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 averaged 32% in 2024, while the rate for people aged 15 to 35 stood at 22.5%.
Isaac K. Kassouwi