Smart Africa Chief to Lead AI Policy Dialogue at Accra Summit 2026

Ghana is set to host one of Africa's most significant gatherings on artificial intelligence and digital innovation when the Pan African AI Summit (PAAIS) returns to Accra on 22–23 September 2026. The event has secured a major continental voice with the confirmed participation of Lacina Koné, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Smart Africa, the African Union-endorsed alliance driving digital transformation across 40 African nations.

Koné's presence signals the growing importance of policy coordination on AI across the continent. Since taking the helm of Smart Africa in 2019, he has steered the alliance through the development of critical continental blueprints covering digital identity systems, broadband infrastructure, and technology ecosystems. Most recently, his leadership has focused on establishing a coordinated African approach to artificial intelligence, including the creation of an Africa AI Council comprising ICT ministers from member states.

Ghana's Growing Role in Africa's AI Future

The 2026 summit in Accra demonstrates Ghana's strengthening position as a hub for continental tech dialogue. The event will bring together a formidable lineup of local and regional leaders, including Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George; leading innovators such as Darlington Akogo of minoHealth AI Labs; academic voices like Dr G. Ayorkor Korsah from Ashesi University; and industry figures including Reuben Opata, CTO at MTN, and Prof John Jerry Kponyo from KNUST, who leads Ghana's national AI strategy.

The summit programme has expanded considerably from its inaugural 2025 edition, which drew 1,000 delegates from over 30 countries. Organisers expect more than 1,800 registered participants in 2026, with activities spanning ministerial dialogues, keynote sessions, an AI hackathon competition for start-ups backed by the Estonian Business Angel Network, masterclasses, and networking events. The two-day format will facilitate direct engagement between policymakers, enterprise leaders, investors, and emerging tech talent.

Why This Matters for Ghana

Ghana stands at a critical juncture in Africa's digital transformation. The presence of Smart Africa's leadership at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City underscores the stakes: artificial intelligence is reshaping African economies, and the decisions made about its governance, adoption, and oversight will determine whether the continent harnesses the technology for broad-based development or risks widening inequality.

For Ghanaian tech entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators, the summit offers direct access to continental strategy architects and investors. Ghana's own digital initiatives—from broadband expansion to the development of a national AI strategy—operate within the broader context of Smart Africa's vision for a unified African digital market by 2030. The summit creates the rare opportunity for local stakeholders to influence and align with these continental priorities.

Lacina Koné's participation reinforces that Africa's AI opportunity will not be decided by individual nations acting alone, but through coordinated policy and investment across member states. With 31 African countries now part of the Smart Africa alliance, representing over 750 million people, the scale of this coordination effort is substantial.

What to Expect

Beyond keynote addresses, the summit will feature roundtable discussions where delegates can engage directly with policy leaders on Africa's AI governance framework. The AI Hackathon pitch competition offers start-ups a platform to attract continental investment, while masterclasses will equip participants with practical skills in responsible AI adoption.

Sponsorship, exhibition stands, and delegate registration are already open at panafricanaisummit.com. For Ghana's growing tech ecosystem—from fintech to health tech—the summit represents both a showcasing opportunity and a chance to tap into continental networks and funding.