… as 14th Tech In Ghana launches, slated for November, 26-27
By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Greater collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships are crucial in Ghana’s quest to cement its place as a leading tech hub in Africa, experts in the ecosystem have asserted.
National Project Coordinator for the International Trade Centre (ITC), for Ghana for the Netherlands Trust Fund V, Isaac Newton Acquah, emphasised the country’s potential to climb higher in Africa’s tech ecosystem rankings calling for greater alignment and collaboration to boost its competitiveness.
Speaking at the Tech In Ghana launch, Mr. Acquah highlighted the dynamism of the ecosystem, noting that Ghana ranks fifth in Africa in tech innovation stressing that: “We can overtake others with more awareness and joint efforts”.
“Out of 55 countries, Ghana is ranked fifth in Africa, but we can overtake other markets with more collaboration and alignment of efforts. We have great tech hubs, startups, and institutions, but more alignment and joint efforts are needed to unlock the ecosystem’s full potential,” he remarked.
He pointed to the growing presence of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and crypto and the importance of showcasing these advancements.
He praised the ecosystem’s collaborative nature but urged stakeholders to align their efforts to achieve exponential growth.
“We need to realise that the success of one business drives the entire ecosystem forward,” he said.
Tech In Ghana
The 14th edition of Tech in Ghana is set to highlight the remarkable progress of Ghana’s technology ecosystem. Scheduled for November 26-27 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, the event will bring together diverse stakeholders, from government agencies and tech startups to multinational corporations and investors.
Over the past years, Tech in Ghana has evolved into a central platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within Ghana’s tech space.
The event highlighted the shared vision of stakeholders to leverage technology in solving challenges, driving economic transformation, and solidifying Ghana’s position as a leading tech and innovation hub on the continent.
Akosua Annobil, the founder of Tech In Ghana, reiterated the importance of collaboration to propel the technology ecosystem to new heights and assured that the conference seeks to change the narrative.
“We’re here simply to help strengthen, connect, and build the ecosystem,” she stated.
Annobil noted the introduction of cross-industry collaborations, such as conversations on technology’s role in health, education, and entertainment.
“This year, we’re looking at how traditional industries can unite to elevate their sectors with technology,” she said.
The inclusion of an app tailored for attendees’ networking and agenda-building needs also reflects Tech In Ghana’s commitment to innovation.
For her part, Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana, has lauded the transformative impact of Tech In Ghana as a platform for innovation and growth.
At the launch event, she reiterated the UK’s support for Ghana’s tech ecosystem, emphasisng the role of global partnerships in unlocking its full potential.
“Tech in Ghana brings together brilliant minds to network, share ideas, and create solutions to global challenges,” she said while noting the platform’s role in showcasing Ghana’s capabilities while fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge and opportunities.
The High Commissioner further stressed the significance of tech in improving livelihoods, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
“These solutions will impact day-to-day life, income levels, and the opportunities for quality employment,” she remarked.
CEO of Old Mutual Ghana, Tavona Biza has identified funding and regulation as critical factors for the sustained growth of Ghana’s tech sector.
As such, he highlighted the need to address challenges such as regulatory barriers and inadequate support systems to help startups in the tech ecosystem flourish.
He noted that regulators, funders, and knowledge providers must work together to ensure the tech ecosystem thrives.
He expressed excitement about the company’s first-time partnership with the platform, while he emphasised the importance of partnerships.
