AI skills enrolment in Ghana rises 95% – Report

Ghanaian learners’ enrolment in artificial intelligence (AI)-related micro-credential courses on Coursera increased by 95 percent year-on-year, reflecting growing interest in digital skills even as the country faces challenges in developing a workforce ready for an AI-driven economy.

The Coursera Global Skills Report 2026, released on October 19, also recorded a 66 percent increase in enrolments in critical-thinking courses, while interest in AI security learning surged by 235 percent.

Enrolments in complex problem-solving courses rose by 39 percent, while innovation-related learning increased by 27 percent.

The findings suggest that learners are increasingly recognising the importance of combining technical AI capabilities with human skills needed to evaluate information, solve problems and apply emerging technologies responsibly.

However, Ghana ranked 89th out of 98 countries on Coursera’s AI-Human Skills Synergy Index, placing eighth among the 11 Sub-Saharan African countries assessed.

The index examines the development of AI competencies alongside complementary human skills and the wider conditions supporting their application.

The ranking highlights a gap between growing interest in AI learning and the broader capabilities required to use the technology effectively in workplaces and businesses.

The report’s findings come as Ghana implements its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 24, 2026, to position the country as an African AI hub and use the technology to support inclusive growth, employment and public-service delivery.

The strategy prioritises AI education, digital infrastructure, data governance, applied research and adoption across key economic sectors.

At its launch, the President announced a planned US$250 million investment in an AI computing centre, alongside US$20 million for short- and medium-term implementation.

The government also highlighted the One Million Coders Programme as part of efforts to expand the country’s digital skills pipeline.

Despite the encouraging learning trends, increased enrolment does not necessarily translate into completed courses, demonstrated proficiency or effective workplace application.

Coursera’s figures reflect activity on its learning platform rather than a representative survey of the entire Ghanaian population or workforce.

Access to reliable internet, suitable devices, affordable training and opportunities to practise AI skills also remains uneven.

The report therefore underscores the need for businesses, universities, technical institutions and public agencies to translate interest in AI into practical competencies relevant to Ghana’s labour market.

Critical thinking, in particular, is essential for workers to verify AI-generated information, identify errors and exercise independent judgement.

As AI adoption expands, Ghana’s progress will depend on whether growing demand for digital learning produces measurable improvements in productivity, innovation and employment opportunities.