Alex Bram urges government to fund training for AI engineers

Hubtel CEO Alex Bram has called on the Ghanaian government to match its current investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure with dedicated funding for specialized human resource development. Speaking on the nation’s technology strategy, Mr. Bram emphasized that the establishment of a national AI compute center must be accompanied by a robust pipeline of local engineers and data scientists. He warned that without a skilled workforce capable of operating and innovating with these tools, the country’s efforts to build a competitive AI industry risk falling short of their potential.

The call for action stems from a significant skills gap identified within the local technology sector, particularly in specialized fields such as machine learning and data science. Mr. Bram shared insights from Hubtel's own experiences, noting that the company has faced substantial difficulties in recruiting qualified machine learning engineers despite offering highly competitive packages. This challenge, he argued, is not unique to Hubtel but reflects a broader national shortage of the technical expertise required to sustain a modern digital economy.

To address this deficit, the Hubtel CEO advocated for a collaborative approach where the government and private sector prioritize training alongside hardware procurement. He stressed that while infrastructure like compute centers provides the necessary foundation, the ultimate success of Ghana’s AI initiatives depends on the intellectual capacity of its people. By fostering a domestic pool of experts, Ghana can ensure that its technological advancements lead to sustainable economic growth and indigenous innovation in the global tech landscape.