As the global economy is set to be powered by aggressive Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, Ghana’s agricultural sector is to witness a major boost as Degas Limited, a global leader in AI-driven agribusiness solutions, has announced a US$100 million investment in the country over the next four years.
President John Dramani Mahama, following his meeting with Doga Makiura, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Degas Limited, made the announcement in Yokohama, Japan, last week.
Degas Limited, through its innovative financing model which has contributed to doubling farmer incomes while maintaining a 95 percent repayment rate, is already playing a significant role in Ghana’s agricultural landscape, supporting over 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres.
However, the new investment aims to position Ghana as a hub for AI-powered agriculture by deploying cutting-edge technologies to increase productivity, strengthen value chains, and create new jobs.
The new investment will deploy advanced AI tools, including satellite monitoring and precision agriculture systems, to optimize input distribution, improve farm-level decision-making, and link farmers directly to markets.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in Ghana’s vision for integrated, technology-enabled agriculture and we are ready to deliver,” President Mahama noted in a Facebook post indicating that the initiative will enhance food security and drive youth employment in the agricultural sector.
The partnership underscores Ghana’s commitment to modernizing agriculture as part of its broader economic reset agenda.
AI-powered agricultural transformation
AI-powered agricultural transformation is revolutionizing farming practices worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning, computer vision, and predictive analytics, farmers can now make data-driven decisions to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.
Key Applications of AI in Agriculture
Precision Crop Management: AI analyzes data from sensors, drones, and satellite imagery to provide tailored recommendations on optimal planting, irrigation, and fertilization.
Crop Disease and Pest Management: Computer vision systems detect signs of disease or pest damage, enabling targeted interventions and reducing chemical usage.
Autonomous Farming Equipment: AI-guided machinery automates tasks like planting, spraying, and harvesting, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Livestock Health Monitoring: AI-powered wearables and sensors track animal health and behavior, enabling early intervention and improving productivity.
Predictive Analytics: AI forecasts market trends, weather patterns, and crop yields, helping farmers make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation.
Impact of AI in Agriculture
According to open-source data, AI-driven precision farming can boost yields by up to 30% through advanced data analysis and real-time monitoring; AI optimizes water and fertilizer usage, reducing waste and environmental impact; AI provides actionable insights, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and mitigate risks; and AI promotes sustainable farming practices, reducing chemical usage and environmental footprint.
AI adoption, global partnerships take centre stage at 2025 AMC-TICON Africa Conference:
Meanwhile, President of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC), Helen McIntee, has challenged African marketers to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and forge stronger global partnerships to accelerate the continent’s marketing transformation.
Speaking at the AMC-TICON Africa Conference in Accra, McIntee announced new alliances with the Asia Marketing Federation, the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK, and the European Marketing Confederation, aimed at raising African marketers’ global influence.
She also revealed plans for a World Marketing Council to position Africa at the center of global marketing innovation.
The two-day event, themed “Thriving in Africa’s Evolving Markets: Trust, Trends, and Technology” and “Empowering Africa’s Tech Future: Innovation, Standards, and Global Influence”, brought together marketing, ICT, and supply chain professionals.
McIntee outlined AMC’s initiatives, including a continental research survey, a certified professional designation, and short courses tailored to African business realities.
“We’re launching a World Marketing Council to position African marketers front and center on the global stage,” she said.
Also, TICON Africa President David Gowu emphasised Ghana’s role in driving regional digital transformation through programs such as the “One Million Coders” initiative and AI hubs, while Deputy Minister for Communications, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, highlighted policies to expand ICT infrastructure and reduce reliance on imported technologies.
“Programs like the ‘One Million Coders’ initiative and AI hubs, such as Puntu Technologies, are key, but technology alone isn’t enough. We must collaborate with marketers and supply chain professionals to drive Africa’s development”, David Gowu added.
The conference underscored the growing integration of marketing, technology and innovation as Africa seeks to strengthen its role in the global digital economy.
