Diaspora Affairs Office at presidency endorses Vanuatu Trade Commission’s AI Africa project to train millions in AI

The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President of Ghana has officially endorsed the AI Africa Project, a transformative initiative led by the Vanuatu Trade Commission – Ghana. This endorsement represents a major boost to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and its broader efforts to engage the diaspora and champion pan-African innovation.

The AI Africa Project seeks to train over 1 million Ghanaians and 10 million Africans in Artificial Intelligence, digital tools, and emerging technologies. Spearheaded by the Vanuatu Trade Commission – Ghana, the initiative forms part of a larger commitment under the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to equip 11 million Africans with AI application skills for the modern economy.

In a letter of endorsement, the Presidency praised the leadership of H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee and the achievements of the Commission since its establishment in January 2023. “You have demonstrated visionary diplomacy by positioning Vanuatu as a valuable trade and development partner for Ghana and Africa,” the letter noted. The Office highlighted the Commission’s efforts in cross-border investment, economic cooperation, and its innovative AKL Lumi platform.

The endorsement aligns seamlessly with key national initiatives including:

Ghana’s Digital Agenda – One Million Coders

The 24-Hour Economy Vision

Ghana’s National AI Strategy

The implementation phase of the Ghana Diaspora Engagement Policy (DEP)

According to the Diaspora Affairs Office (DAOOP), the initiative will now be incorporated into the Inter-Sectoral Implementation Committee (ISIC) framework to ensure cross-sectoral impact—touching youth development, TVET institutions, public agencies, and the wider diaspora.

Speaking on the development, H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee said: “This endorsement reflects our shared commitment to Africa’s digital renaissance. We are honoured by the Office of the President’s recognition and remain focused on delivering sustainable innovation, inclusive economic participation, and youth empowerment across the continent.”

DAOOP commended the Commission’s commitment to “inclusive innovation, education diplomacy, and diaspora-led development,” and formally welcomed it as a partner in advancing Ghana’s AI and digital transformation ecosystem.

The Vanuatu Trade Commission – Ghana is now calling on corporate and development partners—especially in telecoms, finance, energy, education, automotive, tourism, media, and the creative industries—to join this pioneering initiative.

Beyond AI: Strengthening Ghana–Vanuatu Bilateral Relations

Outside of its work in digital innovation, the Vanuatu Trade Commission – Ghana continues to deepen trade and investment ties between Ghana and the Republic of Vanuatu. To date, seven Ghanaian businesses have registered in Vanuatu, benefiting from:

Offshore business incorporation with support for international banking and trade facilitation

Eco-tourism and hospitality partnerships

Agricultural trade in organic farming and kava products

Migration and investment consultancy into the Pacific and Asia-Pacific markets

Cultural exchange programmes to link Ghanaian and Ni-Vanuatu communities

The AI Africa Project offers not only skills development but brand visibility and goodwill for participating partners. It also reflects a broader vision to position Ghana and Vanuatu as forward-thinking nations ready to embrace innovation, diaspora capital, and global economic transformation.

Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana

The Commission represents the Republic of Vanuatu in its efforts to promote trade, investment, digital finance, youth innovation, and economic diplomacy across Africa.

It continues to champion South-South collaboration and diaspora-led development for a shared and prosperous future.

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