Sir Sam Jonah urges African universities to train technology creators

Sir Sam Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, has called on African higher education institutions to shift their focus toward producing technology creators rather than mere consumers. Speaking at the Methodist University Ghana International Conference on October 15, 2026, the statesman warned that the continent's continued reliance on imported technological solutions could stifle long-term development and economic independence. He emphasized that the current educational model must evolve to keep pace with global advancements.

During his address, Sir Sam Jonah highlighted the transformative power of artificial intelligence and automation. He noted that while these advancements offer significant opportunities for growth, they also pose substantial risks if Africa remains on the periphery of innovation. He urged African universities to equip graduates with the technical capacity and innovative mindset required to build homegrown solutions tailored to the continent's specific challenges, rather than simply adopting tools developed elsewhere.

The Chancellor argued that the rapid growth of the global digital economy requires a radical rethink of university curricula. By fostering an environment of creativity and research, he believes African institutions can bridge the digital divide and ensure that graduates are not just job seekers but job creators. He stressed that developing local capacity is essential for ensuring that African perspectives and needs are integrated into the global technological landscape.

Sir Sam Jonah concluded by urging stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) alongside entrepreneurship. He maintained that such a shift is necessary to ensure that graduates are prepared to lead the continent's industrial and technological revolution, moving Africa from a state of technological dependency to a position of leadership in the global arena.