Accra, May 11, GNA – The African Technology Forum (ATF), a technology institution founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for nearly four decades has secured a major grant from Google.org to expand artificial intelligence (AI) training and innovation opportunities for young Africans.
Ghana is positioned as a key beneficiary.
The initiative, known as the ATF AI Challenge, seeks to train more than 10,000 university students and young professionals across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa over the next two years, and forms part of efforts to build Africa’s next generation of AI talent and strengthen the continent’s digital economy.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Sunday said Ghana was expected to train about 2,000 participants under the programme, which organisers said aligned with the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2035) and broader digital transformation agenda.
According to the statement, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands by equipping participants with practical AI skills and exposing them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Mawuli Tse, Co-Founder of the African Technology Forum, said Africa must position itself not only as a consumer of AI technologies but also as a producer of globally competitive AI solutions.
“Africa’s greatest resource is its human talent. This support from Google.org allows us to build the pipeline that will ensure this generation does not just consume AI, but builds it,” he said.
He explained that the programme would guide participants through foundational AI training, practical product development, and direct engagement with employers, investors, and institutional partners.
According to organisers, the ATF AI Challenge will run through a three-stage model comprising an open-access virtual AI School, a hands-on innovation challenge, and national Demo Days, where top teams will pitch AI-powered solutions to industry stakeholders.
The AI School component is expected to provide foundational training for between 12,500 and 15,000 learners across the four participating countries, while more than 10,000 participants will advance into team-based innovation projects focused on solving real-world challenges in sectors such as health, agriculture, education, mining, manufacturing, and finance.
Organisers said the programme was built on pilot projects previously conducted in Ghana and Nigeria, which produced AI solutions with potential applications in hospitals and other institutions.
The African Technology Forum has already partnered institutions including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and is seeking additional collaborations with universities, corporate organisations, and public institutions.
Ms. Liza Ateh, Head of Google.org, said the initiative reflected the growing importance of inclusive AI development on the continent.
“We are proud to support the African Technology Forum’s visionary approach to building a diverse and equitable AI ecosystem,” she said.
She noted that the initiative would provide young innovators with practical experience in building AI-powered solutions tailored to local challenges while connecting them to career and funding opportunities.
The programme also aims to improve diversity in Africa’s technology ecosystem, with organisers targeting at least 40 per cent female participation.
Industry analysts say the initiative comes at a time when many African countries are seeking to strengthen digital skills development and prepare their youthful populations for emerging opportunities in AI and advanced technologies.
Registration for the ATF AI Challenge is currently open and will close on May 31, 2026.
“Interested applicants and institutions can access further information through the African Technology Forum website at https://africantechnologyforum.org/ and the ATF AI Challenge portal at https://www.atfchallenge.org/.”
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
May 10, 2026