Dr. Bawumia Delivers Keynote at LSE Africa Summit 2026 | Discuss Ghana

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia arrived at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to deliver a high-stakes keynote address at the 2026 LSE Africa Summit.

Speaking on the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Uniting Borders in Africa," Dr. Bawumia issued a clarion call for the continent to lead, rather than follow, in the fourth industrial revolution.

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The AI Vision: "Sovereignty, Inclusion, and Opportunity"

Dr. Bawumia argued that artificial intelligence is no longer a "niche" topic but a fundamental requirement for national survival:

Beyond Imports: He warned that if Africa treats AI merely as "imported tools," it will remain a "price-taker" in the global knowledge economy. Instead, he urged the continent to build a "continental capability stack" to become co-authors of global digital rules.

Digital Foundations: He stressed that "technological revolutions reward those who build foundations." He outlined six policy priorities, including reliable electricity, secure data systems, and large-scale talent development.

The "Small AI" Hope: Dr. Bawumia highlighted the rise of "small AI"—affordable applications for mobile phones—as a way for Africa to bypass "perfect" infrastructure and solve immediate problems in health and agriculture.

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Addressing the Barriers: Data Costs and Infrastructure

The former Vice President did not shy away from the practical hurdles facing the continent:

High Data Costs: He identified the cost of mobile data as one of the single biggest barriers to AI participation, urging policymakers to ensure that internet access is "meaningful and affordable".

Electricity Uptime: With Africa’s electricity access at roughly 60%, he noted that intermittent power turns digital systems into "fragile pilots" rather than dependable national services.

Cross-Border Cooperation: He called for harmonized regulatory frameworks and regional cloud systems to allow data to flow freely across African borders, strengthening the continent's digital sovereignty.

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Summit Snapshot: London (March 28, 2026)

Detail	Information
Organizer	Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at LSE.
Theme	Artificial Intelligence and Uniting Borders.
Dr. Bawumia's Status	Keynote Speaker & NPP 2028 Flagbearer.
Notable Presence	Policymakers, scholars, and innovators from across Europe and Africa.

"Digitalisation is no longer at the periphery. It is front and centre; it is a necessity for survival and prosperity in the 21st century." — Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, March 28, 2026.