TLDR: Ghana and Lesotho have formalized a partnership to accelerate artificial intelligence and digital transformation across Africa, aiming to bolster the continent’s position in the global technology landscape. The collaboration, stemming from talks between their respective Communications Ministers, focuses on harmonized digital frameworks, AI applications for agriculture, and joint initiatives to foster innovation and address digital value capture.
Accra, Ghana – In a significant move to propel Africa’s technological future, Ghana and Lesotho have officially agreed to deepen their cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the continent’s role within the global technology ecosystem, fostering innovation and addressing critical digital challenges. The agreement was forged during recent discussions in Accra between Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and Lesotho’s Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Nthati Moorosi.
The talks centered on key areas of collaboration, including digital policy, innovation, and cross-border projects. Both nations underscored the critical need for harmonized digital frameworks across Africa to prevent policy fragmentation and ensure cohesive development. To this end, a virtual working group is set to be established, comprising approximately ten African countries, including Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Guinea, Kenya, and Gambia, with South Africa expected to join. This group will be tasked with mapping out a joint digital roadmap, with Smart Africa serving as the facilitation secretariat.
Ghana outlined several upcoming initiatives designed to boost the continent’s tech landscape. In November, Ghana will host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, an event projected to connect 100,000 ICT innovators with global investors. Looking ahead to 2026, Accra will also be the venue for the Divas of ICT forum, organized in partnership with Google. This forum is expected to bring together major tech leaders from companies such as Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft, alongside African policymakers, to strategize on digital implementation.
Furthermore, Ghana is in the process of rolling out 15 new legislative frameworks covering crucial areas such as AI, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, data protection, and digital economy policy. Minister George stated that these legislative blueprints would be shared with African partners, including Lesotho, to guide their own digital development and foster a unified regulatory environment.
A significant focus of the bilateral discussions was the application of AI in agriculture. Both countries explored joint projects aimed at developing large language models specifically tailored for the agricultural sector. These models are designed to help farmers overcome language barriers, thereby enhancing access to vital information and improving agricultural practices. Ghana has pledged to connect its universities and research institutions with experts from Lesotho to accelerate the research and application of these AI solutions.
The ministers also addressed the pressing issue of digital value capture, emphasizing the necessity for African nations to secure fair value from content monetization and engage effectively with major technology companies. Minister George highlighted the importance of direct engagement with senior executives at platforms like Google and Meta to expedite results and ensure equitable benefits for African content creators and digital economies. Lesotho’s Minister Moorosi also noted Ghana’s experience in taxing digital platforms like Netflix, DSTV, and Showmax as a potential model for Lesotho to boost revenue and ensure Basotho content creators can monetize their work online.
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This alliance between Ghana and Lesotho signals a growing continental push to pool resources and expertise in AI and digital innovation, aiming to strengthen Africa’s collective position in the global technology ecosystem and drive inclusive digital transformation.
