The ability to harness technology will remain a key driver of individual, business and societal transformation for years to come, the United States (US) Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has emphasised.
She highlighted that digital innovation has and will continue to play an important role in improving Ghana’s fiscal governance and assisting its financial recovery, hence it must be prioritised.
While applauding the country for efforts at deepening digitisation, she reechoed calls for investment in digital infrastructure and the critical role of education, training and upskilling; adding that the information and communications technology (ICT) services sector remains one of the growth engines of Ghana’s economy.
She said this at the recently held Tech in Ghana programme – a leading platform dedicated to building and strengthening Ghana’s tech ecosystem and championing the country’s cutting-edge entrepreneurs and founders, while fostering global collaboration, knowledge-exchange and networking among industry leaders, decision-makers, investors and startups.
The ambassador said: “The United States is proud to partner with Ghana to support the development of its digital economy and infrastructure…There is a lot to celebrate in this vibrant space. Ghana has already established itself as a hub in Africa for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fintech innovation. And on climate-related technology, Ghana is leading the way in West Africa; creating an enabling environment for electrical vehicles, charging stations and their supporting technologies.
“For example, the Electricity Company of Ghana’s digitisation drive is helping to create a cashless payment system, reducing revenue leakages. In March, the ECG announced that it increased its monthly revenue by 25 percent as a result. That is a huge boon for Ghana’s economy.”
Collaboration and intentional investments
For her part, the founder of Tech in Ghana, Akosua Annobil, indicated that the country and Africa’s technological ecosystem at large have huge potential – and will thrive better on collaboration and partnerships among sector players.
Speaking on the theme ‘Collaboration, Community & Capital’, she also highlighted the need to create a conducive environment for the ecosystem’s success, and efforts to connect the unconnected.
Highlighting on enhancing service delivery through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and technology, Director of Innovation and Business Strategy at Electricity Company of Ghana, Samuel Ampem-Asare, noted ECG’s effort through PPP toward a digitally empowered future, and encouraged that harnessing the power of partnership and cutting-edge solutions will redefine service delivery while enabling a more connected and efficient world.
Other session discussions were on the need to create a conducive environment for financial digital services and financial inclusion.
Panellists, discussing how artificial intelligence (AI) can close the digital divide in Africa, say adequate data is needed – and deliberate efforts to safeguard the data to better penetrate the space and make impact.
They also recommended that businesses leverage the available tech tools and products to catch up with the changing landscape and remain relevant.
Executive Deputy-Board of Directors, Telecel Group, Eleanor Azar also indicated it is imperative to invest in startups because they have ability to solve many of the problems that exist; hence with the right information, resources or support, they have an opportunity to alter the status quo.
She said her company decided to participate in the tech event in order to engage with and expand the chances available to startups in Ghana, given the country’s profusion of digital talents.
“Tech is the way out to help most economies in the years to come, and we want to work with all countries in an effort to make it a powerhouse for growth.
“I think government knows tech is the future and is trying to create space and legislation to make it easier for companies to start. People want to invest in Ghana because it has very good tech people,” the Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, Keith McMahon MBE, also noted.
