Former Vice President of Ghana and NPP 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, has underscored the importance of robust digital infrastructure as the foundation for artificial intelligence development in Africa.
He argued that without reliable electricity, broadband, and data systems, AI ambitions on the continent would remain unattainable.
Delivering his keynote at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr Bawumia highlighted significant disparities in internet connectivity and electricity access across African countries.
While acknowledging progress, he stressed that the quality of access remains a critical issue.
“AI thrives on connectivity, electricity, and reliable digital infrastructure,” he said.
“Before we debate algorithms, we must be disciplined about the foundations that enable adoption at scale: networks, power, and trustworthy data systems.”
He pointed out that internet penetration and electricity access across Africa remain uneven, warning that such disparities could widen inequality if not addressed.
He also referenced global data indicating that billions of people remain offline, with Africa lagging behind.
The former Vice President summarised the continent’s challenge in clear terms: “No electricity, no compute. No broadband, no scaling. No trusted data systems, no safe deployment.”
He called for urgent and coordinated investment in infrastructure, noting that Africa’s AI agenda must be treated as an infrastructure agenda to ensure inclusive and sustainable digital growth.
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