By Gloria Anderson
The Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana is proud to announce that its flagship AI Africa Project has received official endorsement from the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana. This milestone endorsement reaffirms Ghana’s strategic commitment to digital transformation, diaspora engagement, and pan-African innovation.
In the letter of endorsement, the Office of the President commended the Commission, stating:
“The strides made by your Commission since its establishment in January 2023, under your capable leadership, are commendable. You have demonstrated visionary diplomacy by positioning Vanuatu as a valuable trade and development partner for Ghana and Africa. The role played by the Commission in facilitating bilateral economic cooperation, promoting cross-border investment, and leveraging diaspora capital through initiatives such as the AKL Lumi platform has been stellar.”
The AI Africa Project, a continental initiative spearheaded by the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana in partnership with key educational and financial institutions, aims to train over 1 million Ghanaians and 10 million Africans in artificial intelligence, digital tools, and emerging technologies. This transformative project is designed to build a future-ready African workforce capable of competing in the global digital economy. It also forms part of the Commission’s broader mandate with the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to train more than 11 million Africans in AI application skills.
The collaboration aligns directly with several key national initiatives, including:
- Ghana’s Digital Agenda – 1 Million Coders
- President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Mandate
- The National AI Strategy
- The Implementation Phase of the Ghana Diaspora Engagement Policy (DEP)
With this Presidential endorsement, the project gains increased visibility, credibility, and momentum, opening up opportunities for public-private partnerships and encouraging institutions to collaborate with the Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana and the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency.
During a stakeholder meeting, DAOOP reaffirmed its endorsement and its intention to integrate the AI Africa Project within the Inter-Sectoral Implementation Committee (ISIC) framework. This approach ensures cross-sectoral impact across public institutions, diaspora networks, TVET and tertiary institutions, and youth development platforms.
The Vanuatu Trade Commission was also commended for its commitment to inclusive innovation, education diplomacy, and diaspora-led development. DAOOP expressed pride in welcoming the Commission as an official partner in advancing Ghana’s AI and digital transformation ecosystem.
According to H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana:
“This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to Africa’s digital renaissance. We are honored by the Office of the President’s recognition and remain focused on delivering sustainable innovation, inclusive economic participation, and youth empowerment across the continent.”
The Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana, is now inviting corporate and development partners, particularly in telecommunications, automotive, financial services, energy, education, tourism and hospitality, media, and the creative industries, to be part of this visionary initiative driving Africa’s digital future.
