Former Vice President of Ghana and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned that Africa could once again fall behind in global development if it fails to fully embrace artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Delivering a keynote address at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr Bawumia said the continent must act decisively to take advantage of opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution.

He noted that Africa missed out on earlier industrial revolutions largely due to limited investment in technology and innovation ecosystems, describing the current digital era as a defining moment the continent cannot afford to overlook.

“We are in the midst of a global digital revolution. Artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things are reshaping our world,” he said.

“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 Bawumia stressed that Africa’s biggest limitation is not a shortage of talent but a lack of deliberate leadership and investment needed to build thriving innovation ecosystems.

“Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberateness, leadership and investment to create the ecosystems where innovations and innovators thrive,” he said.

He therefore urged policymakers across the continent to adopt a bold and proactive approach to technology adoption and digital transformation.

“We cannot afford to be left behind this time. We should embrace technology and not be intimidated by it,” Dr Bawumia added