Former Vice President of Ghana and 2028 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned that Africa risks being left behind once again if it fails to fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
Delivering a keynote address at the LSE Africa Summit 2026, he stressed that the continent must act decisively to harness the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution.
Speaking at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 held at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr Bawumia noted that Africa had missed previous industrial revolutions due to a lack of investment in technology and innovation ecosystems.
He described the current digital era as a defining moment that the continent cannot afford to ignore.
“We are in the midst of a global digital revolution. Artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things… are reshaping our world,” he said.
“Digitalization is no longer at the periphery. It is front and center; it is a necessity for survival and prosperity in the 21st century.”
He emphasised that Africa’s biggest challenge is not talent but leadership and deliberate investment. According to him, “Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberateness, leadership and investment to create the ecosystems where innovations and innovators thrive.”
Dr Bawumia concluded by urging policymakers to adopt a bold and proactive mindset.
“We cannot afford to be left behind this time. We should embrace technology and not be intimidated by it,” he stated.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in his address, 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.
Dr Bawumia emphasised that AI should not be treated as a set of imported tools but as a shared continental capability.
He noted that Africa must position itself as a co-creator in the global knowledge 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.”
He highlighted the importance of shared digital infrastructure, regional cloud systems, and harmonised regulations to facilitate cross-border data flows and digital trade.
According to him, such collaboration would reduce dependence on external systems and strengthen Africa’s digital sovereignty.
Dr Bawumia further pointed to continental frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area as critical tools for enabling interoperability and inclusive growth in the digital space.
He concluded that “uniting borders” is not merely a slogan but a practical strategy.
“Build foundations, govern trust, and then connect markets so African talent and AI solutions can scale across the continent,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia also outlined six key policy commitments he believes are critical to Africa becoming a global force in artificial intelligence.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that Africa must move beyond discussions and adopt practical, measurable actions to build a competitive AI ecosystem.
He noted that success in the digital age will depend on deliberate planning, sustained investment, and strong institutional capacity across the continent.
“Technological revolutions reward those who build foundations: institutions, infrastructure, skills, and rules before they chase the latest applications,” he said, adding that Africa must act “boldly, but methodically” to secure its place in the global digital economy.
Outlining his proposals, he called for investments in reliable electricity, broadband infrastructure, and secure data systems, as well as the development of trustworthy data ecosystems and large-scale talent development programmes.
He also emphasised the need for stronger public sector procurement capacity and the integration of ethical standards into AI deployment.
“Build AI foundations… build trustworthy data ecosystems… build talent at scale,” he said, listing the priorities, while also highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration to create interoperable digital markets across Africa.
Dr. Bawumia concluded with a call to action for African leaders and institutions to seize the moment and shape the future of AI.
“Africa should be poised to shape the global AI conversation not as a passive consumer, but as a builder of responsible systems,” he stated, adding that “if we unite borders through infrastructure, skills, governance, and markets, then AI can become a force for shared prosperity.”
