By Sammy CRABBE
Ghana’s digital transformation must extend beyond the One Square Mile. While the pilot phase provides a blueprint for a thriving digital economy, a national strategy is essential to sustain long-term success.
Expansion must be deliberate, scalable, and supported by policies fostering innovation, investment, and digital inclusivity.
Once the One Square Mile proves viable, Ghana should replicate its success across key economic zones. A phased expansion strategy should prioritize locations with strong business potential.
Regional capitals such as Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale can decentralize economic opportunities, while industry-specific digital zones—Accra for fintech, Kumasi for agritech, and Tamale for healthtech—can drive specialized innovation.
Government leadership is crucial in providing infrastructure, ensuring high-speed internet, data centres, and uninterrupted power. Smart city infrastructure should integrate digital public services into daily life.
The private sector must play a pivotal role in fostering innovation. Tax breaks and grants should incentivize businesses to set up operations in new hubs. A venture capital ecosystem is needed to support emerging digital entrepreneurs. Balancing government investment with private-sector innovation will ensure broad economic benefits.
Policy consistency is key to sustaining digital transformation. Ghana must adopt a non-partisan national digital economy strategy that endures beyond political cycles. Establishing a Digital Economy Authority with a clear mandate to oversee expansion will be essential.
Policies on tax incentives, business registration, and intellectual property protections must remain stable to create a favourable investment climate. Strengthening public-private partnerships will ensure infrastructure projects remain viable over time.
A well-governed digital economy fosters transparency, accountability, and adaptability. Ghana can learn from Estonia, which built its transformation on clear governance frameworks, seamless e-government services, and robust cybersecurity protections.
Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) is critical. Ghana must position itself as a prime destination for multinational tech firms, venture capital investors, and digital service providers.
Corporate tax incentives, technology-free zones with minimal bureaucracy, and stronger data protection laws will build investor confidence. Ghana must market itself as Africa’s digital hub, leveraging its stability, English-speaking workforce, and favourable time zone to compete with regional players like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
Beyond foreign investment, Ghana can tap into its diaspora. First-generation Ghanaians abroad possess global work experience, technical expertise, and an understanding of international business. With the right incentives, many would return to contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation.
China provides an instructive model. In developing its Special Economic Zones, China recruited diaspora professionals trained in Western institutions. These returnees modernized China’s economy, integrated global best practices, and attracted multinational corporations. Ghana can replicate this model within the One Square Mile, fostering an environment where skilled returnees bring their expertise home.
By offering competitive salaries, tax incentives, and a world-class business environment, Ghana can attract engineers, financial analysts, software developers, and tech entrepreneurs to drive digital transformation.
Experts in governance and security will be essential in fostering a well-regulated digital economy. Structured mentorship programs will ensure knowledge transfer to the local workforce, guaranteeing long-term sustainability.
Ghana must also engage second- and third-generation Ghanaians in the diaspora, as well as African Americans and Black communities in Europe who have shown interest in Ghana through initiatives like the Year of Return.
With rising far-right movements in the West, many seek opportunities to relocate to Africa, where they can contribute their skills while enjoying a sense of belonging. Ghana can position itself as a welcoming destination by offering world-class healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem.
While businesses and policymakers drive digital transformation, it must be inclusive. Expanding the benefits of a digital economy requires bridging the digital divide and ensuring rural communities have access to affordable broadband. Government-subsidized internet plans and broadband expansion partnerships will help achieve this.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs must be empowered through digital training programs that facilitate their transition to online platforms. Micro-financing initiatives should support startups in rural and peri-urban areas.
Digital literacy initiatives must be integrated into the education system to ensure students acquire the necessary skills to compete in a technology-driven world. Public awareness campaigns should promote cybersecurity awareness and highlight digital economy opportunities.
Ghana stands at the threshold of an economic revolution. A well-implemented digital economy can create millions of jobs, attract investment, and position Ghana as a leader in global digital innovation.
The One Square Mile is the first step in this transformation, but its success must be scaled systematically, governed responsibly, and remain inclusive. Policymakers, businesses, educational institutions, and citizens must align their efforts with a long-term vision to transition Ghana from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven powerhouse.
This is not just about technology; it is about the future of Ghana’s economy—expanding opportunities, creating wealth, and building a nation that competes on the global stage. The time for action is now. Ghana must seize this opportunity to build its digital future.
>>>the writer is a PhD researcher specializing in blockchains and decentralized finance at the University of Bradford. He holds an MBA in International Marketing and a post-graduate certificate is research from the International University of Monaco. Sammy was the first president of the Ghana Business Outsourcing Association and developed Africa’s first data entry operation and Ghana’s first medical transcription company. He can be reached via [email protected]
