Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has called for deeper collaboration between Africa and developed countries to harness artificial intelligence (AI) as a driver of development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the LSE Africa Summit 2026 in London, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri said Africa must not be left behind in the global shift toward AI-powered economies.
“It is critical because we are a developing country, even though in terms of technology we are still in the budding stage,” he said. “We must connect key variables in our development paradigm, and Africa cannot be different from other parts of the world.”
Linkages
Annoh-Dompreh stressed the need for strategic linkages between African nations and advanced economies to bridge technological gaps, particularly in the adoption and application of AI.
“I am looking at how we can get connectivity between the developed countries and Africa in terms of the usage of AI as a modern technology,” he said, adding that such partnerships could help unlock the continent’s potential and strengthen its global competitiveness.
He noted that while Africa faces structural challenges, including limited digital infrastructure and skills gaps, these constraints also present opportunities for innovation and targeted investment.
Digital transformation
The lawmaker said governments across the continent must prioritise policies that encourage digital transformation, build human capital and attract investment into emerging technologies.
Experts at the summit highlighted the growing role of AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and education, areas seen as critical to Africa’s long-term growth.
Annoh-Dompreh said leveraging these opportunities would require coordinated efforts between policymakers, the private sector and international partners to ensure Africa benefits meaningfully from the global AI revolution.
Bawumia speech
Meanwhile, guest speaker and former vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for stronger cross-border cooperation among African countries to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
He argued that collaboration, rather than isolated national efforts, will determine Africa’s success in the global AI economy.
“Artificial intelligence can unite borders if Africa builds capability and then connects that capability across borders,” he said.
“If we treat AI as a national and continental capability stack, we can become co-authors of the rules, the markets, and the benefits.”
Source: asaaseradio.com
