Spio-Garbrah calls for AI-driven Pan-African language to unite the continent

The Founder and Chairman of the Africa Education Trust Fund (AETF), Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has called on African leaders and innovators to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop a Pan-African language that will help overcome communication barriers and strengthen continental unity.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Education Trust Fund Artificial Intelligence Conference in Accra, Dr. Spio-Garbrah said the creation of a common language through AI could enhance trade, cultural exchange, and regional integration across Africa.

“We can use Artificial Intelligence to create an African language. We tried it before when the Swahili language emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. I believe that language, being a unifier of all things, is one of the most critical ingredients for Africa’s unification, which illustrious leaders spoke about in the days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. They spoke of how Africa must unite. But if we don’t conquer the linguistic barrier, it will be difficult for us,” he said.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah noted that Africa’s linguistic diversity, though a cultural asset, continues to pose challenges to communication and policymaking across the continent. He emphasized that modern AI tools can help merge elements of Africa’s indigenous languages into a single, accessible medium of communication that reflects the continent’s identity.

The AETF AI Conference, themed “AI for Africa: Unlocking Opportunities for Education, Innovation and Sustainable Development,” brought together policymakers, educators, and technology experts to explore how emerging technologies can drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Participants discussed the role of AI in transforming Africa’s education systems, promoting innovation, and fostering regional collaboration to build a digitally empowered continent.

By: Bawa Musah

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