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Former Vice President of Ghana and 2028 presidential flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for urgent investment in digital infrastructure to drive artificial intelligence (AI) development across Africa.
Speaking at the 2026 LSE Africa Summit 2026 held at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr Bawumia emphasised that the continent’s AI ambitions would remain unattainable without strong foundational systems such as reliable electricity, broadband connectivity, and secure data frameworks.
He noted that while Africa has made strides in expanding internet access and digital adoption, significant disparities still exist between countries, particularly in terms of quality and reliability of access.
“AI thrives on connectivity, electricity, and reliable digital infrastructure,” he stated. “Before we debate algorithms, we must be disciplined about the foundations that enable adoption at scale: networks, power, and trustworthy data systems.”
Dr Bawumia highlighted that uneven internet penetration and inconsistent electricity supply across the continent could deepen existing inequalities if not addressed swiftly. He referenced global data indicating that billions of people remain offline, with Africa disproportionately affected.
Summarising the challenge, he said: “No electricity, no compute. No broadband, no scaling. No trusted data systems, no safe deployment.”
He further stressed that Africa’s AI agenda must be treated primarily as an infrastructure agenda, calling for coordinated and sustained investments from governments, private sector players, and development partners.
According to him, prioritising digital infrastructure will not only support AI growth but also ensure inclusive and sustainable technological advancement across the continent.
Yaw Boagyan
