Africa must help shape AI revolution transformation — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has urged African nations to actively shape the global artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, calling for practical cooperation with Russia to ensure the continent benefits from the transformative technology.

He made the appeal in his remarks at the Third Russia-Africa Forum in Moscow, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Mahama emphasised that AI was fundamentally altering the global landscape.

“Artificial Intelligence is changing how economies produce, how governments serve, and how people learn,” he stated. “Africa must help shape this transformation and develop the skills and infrastructures needed to benefit from it.”

He outlined specific areas where Ghana was seeking practical cooperation on AI, including agriculture, healthcare, education, municipal services, transport management, tax and revenue collection, and environmental monitoring.

To operationalise this vision, President Mahama proposed a new collaboration framework.

“Ghana is prepared to explore a Russia-Africa digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence Programme that will bring together African universities, research institutions, businesses, and public agencies,” he announced.

He explained that such a programme could support joint research, carefully assess pilot projects, and drive skills development across the continent.

The proposal signals Ghana’s intent to position itself as a hub for AI innovation and a bridge between African expertise and Russian technological capabilities, aiming to harness AI for sustainable development and improved public service delivery.