Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l March 28, 2026
A call has been made for women in Ghana and across Africa to transition from being mere consumers of technology to active owners and contributors within the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.
Speaking during a media interaction at the second edition of the Beyond AI Movement Workshop held at the Accra Digital Center on Saturday, March 28, 2026, Jennifer Moffatt, Country Director of BudgIT Ghana, challenged prevailing narratives around women’s participation in technology.
The workshop, held under the theme “Women Hold Up Half the Sky – But Who Owns the Cloud?”, brought together stakeholders to discuss gender inclusion and ownership within the digital and AI space.
Ms. Moffatt questioned the premise of the theme, arguing that women should not be limited to “half the sky” but should aspire to occupy the entire space. She noted that the concept of “owning the cloud” goes beyond technology and extends to issues of funding and control.
According to her, much of the work in AI development within Ghana is driven by donor funding and personal investments rather than significant government support. As a result, ownership often lies with those who provide the financial backing.
Reflecting on the workshop, she emphasized the need for Ghana and Africa to strategically leverage technological advancements for development, noting that historical conditions that propelled Western economies may not be available to African countries today. She stressed the importance of intentionally using available tools and innovations to drive progress.
Ms. Moffatt also expressed satisfaction with the level of female participation at the event, indicating that although women did not make up half of the attendees, the turnout showed improvement compared to similar programmes.
She further highlighted that while many women have access to smartphones and digital tools, the key issue lies in how these tools are utilized. She urged women to go beyond passive usage and actively engage in creating and owning technological solutions.
“We cannot continue to remain consumers of technology. We must begin to ask ourselves what we are doing intentionally to own and shape these innovations,” she stated.
Touching on discussions from the panel session, Ms. Moffatt pointed to contributions from fellow panelist Farida, whose reflections on marginalization sparked deeper conversations among participants. She noted that Farida’s experiences demonstrated that individuals can rise above limitations and make meaningful impact without waiting for opportunities to be handed to them.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by the Beyond AI Movement to promote inclusive participation and ownership in emerging technologies, particularly among women in Africa.
