Ghana’s Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, joined global business and cultural leaders at the Global Citizen NOW summit in Detroit, urging greater investment in Africa’s youth to secure the continent’s digital future.

The event, which took place on Wednesday, brought together figures including billionaire investor Mark Cuban, Ethiopian-born celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, and Detroit’s Poet Laureate jessica Care moore.

Discussions focused on tackling urban challenges through innovation, small business growth and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking on a high-level panel, Mr Opare Addo called for young Africans to be equipped not just as consumers of technology, but as creators.

“For young people to be able to appreciate AI, then they must be not just users of it, but makers of it,” he told the global audience.

His comments highlighted concerns that African nations could be left behind as AI transforms economies and reshapes the global job market.

The minister’s message is closely tied to Ghana’s efforts to position itself as a centre for digital innovation.

The government has rolled out initiatives to integrate STEM and AI into school curricula and support start-ups led by young people in sectors such as agritech and fintech.

At the summit, Mr Opare Addo’s remarks came during discussions on how cities can become engines of equity and opportunity - issues also at the heart of Ghana’s development agenda.

Detroit was chosen as the host city due to its own story of resilience and cultural revival, drawing parallels with rapidly growing cities like Accra.

Other speakers included Mark Cuban, who described AI tools like ChatGPT as “the great equalizer” for small businesses, and Marcus Samuelsson, who stressed the power of food to unite communities and preserve cultural identity.

Detroit’s Poet Laureate jessica Care moore warned against losing local identities amid urban renewal, urging greater investment in the arts. Meanwhile, Global Citizen co-founder Simon Moss called on city leaders, not just national governments, to spearhead efforts to combat poverty and inequality.

The summit also launched “AI for All,” a global campaign aiming to equip 10 million people—particularly women and underserved youth—with AI literacy by 2030.

Ghana’s participation at such international forums underlines its commitment to making sure young people play a central role in driving the country’s digital transformation.

“Africa’s youth are not just a demographic statistic—they are the key to unlocking a more just, innovative, and prosperous future. But we must give them the tools not just to consume innovation, but to create it,” Opare Addo added.