By Mercy Darko
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 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.
“Digitalisation is no longer at the periphery. It is front and centre; 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.
“Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberateness, leadership and investment to create the ecosystems where innovation and innovators thrive,” he said.
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.
