Ama Pratt, Spokesperson and Press Secretary to Ghana's Vice-President, has declared that Africa must take a leading role in its artificial intelligence (AI) future. She stated the continent must move beyond merely adopting AI technologies developed elsewhere. Instead, Africa needs to determine how AI is designed, governed, and deployed locally.
Ms. Pratt highlighted that Africa's future in the fast-changing AI landscape depends on more than just using existing technologies. It requires developing the necessary skills, infrastructure, institutions, and policies. These elements are crucial for shaping AI to fit African realities and aspirations. Her remarks came during a featured address at the 2026 Nyansa Futures conference.
This call aligns with Ghana's broader push for technological self-reliance and economic diversification. The nation aims to leverage digital innovation for growth, as seen in various government initiatives. Ensuring local ownership of AI development can prevent technological dependence and foster indigenous solutions. This approach supports Ghana's long-term economic stability and job creation goals.
Speaking on the theme “From Adoption to Ownership: Shaping Africa’s AI Future,” Ms. Pratt stressed the importance of African voices. She said African knowledge, languages, communities, and aspirations must be reflected in AI development. Her address, titled “Who Tells Africa’s AI Story?”, focused on storytelling and inclusive participation in Africa's AI agenda.
Ms. Pratt warned against viewing AI only as a technological opportunity. She noted AI could amplify misinformation and deepen existing inequalities if not responsibly governed. AI systems can generate articles, images, and videos rapidly, creating both opportunities and risks. She urged journalists, public officials, and citizens to build public understanding and confidence in AI.
Ownership of AI begins with Africans defining their own problems and developing appropriate solutions. This requires reliable internet connectivity and access to computing resources. Stronger educational and research institutions are also essential. Investment in local innovation, robust data protection systems, and clear accountability standards are vital for success.
A significant part of Ms. Pratt’s address focused on the need for women to participate fully in AI development. She stated that excluding women from technology design and leadership could create systems that do not reflect half the population's experiences. Women's participation is essential to avoid reproducing existing inequalities through new technologies.
Ms. Pratt challenged young Africans to be active participants in the AI revolution. She encouraged them to acquire technical skills alongside an understanding of history, culture, law, and ethics. Young people need to be present in laboratories, newsrooms, and government institutions where AI decisions are made. This ensures a diverse and informed approach to AI development.
She also encouraged the Beyond AI Initiative to continue creating platforms like Nyansa Futures. These platforms allow policymakers, academics, innovators, and civil society to engage on emerging technologies. No single institution can shape Africa’s AI future alone, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts. This collective approach is key to harnessing AI for Ghana's and Africa's economic advancement.