Africa Must Move AI from Pilots to Scaled Systems — Bawumia

Former Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on African countries to transition from small-scale artificial intelligence (AI) pilots to fully integrated national systems, warning that failure to act decisively could leave the continent behind in the global digital race.

Delivering a keynote address at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 hosted by the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, Dr. Bawumia described AI as the defining force of the modern digital economy, shaping competitiveness, governance, and economic inclusion.

AI No Longer Optional

Dr Bawumia stressed that the world has entered a new phase of digital transformation, driven by artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. He noted that these technologies are no longer optional but central to productivity and growth.

“We are in the midst of a global digital revolution,” he said, cautioning that Africa must not repeat its historical failure to fully participate in earlier industrial revolutions.

Risk of Falling Behind

He warned that Africa’s challenge is not a lack of talent, but weak investment, leadership, and strategic direction needed to build innovation ecosystems.

“Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberate action and investment,” he noted, adding that AI will determine control over data, markets, and the future global knowledge economy.

Infrastructure Remains Critical

Dr Bawumia emphasised that AI development depends on strong digital foundations, particularly reliable electricity, broadband connectivity, and trusted data systems.

“No electricity, no compute. No broadband, no scaling,” he stated, highlighting infrastructure gaps across the continent despite progress in countries like Ghana.

He added that internet access and electricity must not only expand but become more reliable to support advanced digital systems.

Data Costs and Inequality Concerns

The former Vice President identified high data costs as a major barrier to inclusive participation in the digital economy, warning that unequal access could deepen existing inequalities.

“The issue is not just access, but meaningful access,” he said, calling for affordable and high-quality internet services across Africa.

AI to Transform Jobs, Not Eliminate Them

Addressing concerns about job losses, Dr Bawumia explained that AI is more likely to reshape work rather than eliminate it, with many roles evolving through automation and productivity gains.

He urged governments to prioritise skills development to prepare workers for emerging opportunities in an AI-driven economy.

Call for Regional Cooperation

Dr Bawumia also highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration, arguing that no single African country can build a competitive AI ecosystem alone.

He pointed to frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area as key to enabling shared infrastructure, harmonised regulations, and integrated digital markets.

From Pilots to Real Impact

While acknowledging progress in AI innovation across Africa, he stressed the need to scale pilot projects into full systems capable of delivering real economic and social impact.

He cited countries making strides in digitalisation and referenced global benchmarks such as the International Monetary Fund AI Preparedness Index, which highlights Africa’s growing potential.

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A Defining Moment for Africa

Dr Bawumia concluded with a strong call for urgent and strategic action, urging African leaders to invest in digital infrastructure, talent development, and governance frameworks for AI.

“Africa must not be a passive consumer of technology,” he said. “We must become builders and co-creators in the global AI ecosystem.”

He warned that the decisions taken now will determine whether Africa leads, participates, or is left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.