Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu (MP), Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, praised IEEE Region 8 for choosing Accra as the host city, describing the event as a demonstration of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders.
The Deputy Minister stated this while delivering a keynote lecture during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IEEE R8 Africa Students & Young Professionals Congress, which was hosted at UPSA in Legon on August 22, 2025.
He praised the congress’s subject, “Empowering Africa’s Future Leaders Through STEM,” for being topical, highlighting that nations that prioritize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are at the forefront of innovation, economic progress, and sustainable development worldwide.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that Africa, which is rich in talent, creativity, and youthful energy, must create environments that foster innovation and provide access to cutting-edge tools and knowledge, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, which have been identified as pillars of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which Africa must lead.
Highlighting Ghana’s Digital Vision, the Deputy Minister affirmed the country’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive digital economy through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, e-government services, fintech innovation, and ICT education, all with the goal of bridging the digital divide. Key initiatives supporting this vision include national broadband expansion, support for local tech startups, and robust cybersecurity frameworks.
“Bold components of the Digital Ghana Agenda are underway, such as expanding last-mile connectivity in rural communities and the launch of a $1 billion Ghana–UAE Innovation and Technology Hub, designed to host the African headquarters of leading global firms,” he noted.
Hon. Sukparu also hinted that Ghana is heavily investing in its people through the One Million Coders Programme, which will train one million Ghanaians, primarily youth and women, in coding, AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies, fostering economic empowerment and global competitiveness.
“A core goal of this vision is to position Ghana as the AI Hub of West Africa, supported by strategic investments, global partnerships, and policies promoting responsible AI across sectors like AgriTech and HealthTech,” he said.
The address also recognized IEEE as a forward-thinking global partner, acting as a beacon of technical improvement and professional development.
The Deputy Minister praised IEEE’s assistance for African students and young professionals, indicating a strong commitment to capacity building and worldwide engagement.
He encouraged all of the students and young professionals in attendance to network, explore, innovate, and collaborate, reminding them that the future of Africa is in their hands as innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers who will shape the continent’s destiny through the power of STEM.
Source: newsthemegh.com