Ghana Sets Bold Vision to Become Africa’s Digital Trade Hub at National ICT Week

Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, Director-General NITA

Ghana reaffirmed its ambitious goal to become Africa’s premier digital trade hub at the official opening of the 2025 National ICT Week, held at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme: “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub: Innovation, Policy and Partnerships for the Future.”

Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President conveyed this vision in a speech delivered on her behalf by Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice President.

She boosted of Ghana’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure, youth skills development and policy reform as the foundation for digital transformation and regional leadership.

“Ghana stands tall in West Africa for her remarkable record of stability and peaceful democratic transitions. With a diverse and dynamic economy, Ghana is well-positioned to lead the continent in digital trade,” she said.

Key government initiatives were spotlighted, including the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, aimed at boosting productivity through extended business operations, and the One Million Coders Project, which is equipping Ghana’s youth with vital digital and software development skills.

These initiatives align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, positioning Ghana as a digital enabler of intra-African commerce.

Infrastructure and Innovation

Ghana’s nationwide expansion of broadband and fiber-optic networks is connecting both urban and rural communities, transforming service delivery across sectors like education, health and commerce.

The Ghana.Gov platform was praised as a model of e-governance, providing a centralised digital access point for services such as passport applications, tax filing and business licensing thus improving efficiency, transparency and public revenue.

Additionally, Ghana has pioneered a fully interoperable instant payment system, the first of its kind on the continent that enables seamless transactions between banks and mobile money platforms.

This has significantly boosted financial inclusion and supported the growth of the digital economy.

Policy and Digital Trust

The Vice President’s representative underscored the importance of digital trust and robust governance frameworks.

He underscores Ghana’s Data Protection Act and the role of the Data Protection Commission as crucial safeguards for privacy and responsible data usage.

Ghana also reiterated its support for the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, advocating for a harmonised, secure, and trusted digital trade environment across Africa.

Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo issued a rallying call to stakeholders entrepreneurs, investors, academia, development partners, and the Diaspora to join forces in achieving Ghana’s digital vision.

“To our entrepreneurs: continue to innovate and scale your solutions.

To the private sector and investors: expand your presence and invest in Ghana’s digital market. To our development and technology partners: collaborate and support ventures that will transform lives.

“Together, through shared innovation, sound policy, and steadfast partnership, we will make Ghana the undisputed digital trade hub of Africa,” he, on behalf of the vice president told gathering.

Minister Outlines Government’s Digital Roadmap

Mohammed Adam Sukparu, Deputy Minister for Communication, Digitalization, Technology and Innovation, on his part outlined the government’s comprehensive digital strategy.

He emphasised the rising number of tech startups and fintech solutions in Ghana, powered by initiatives such as the Ghana Tech Lab and the One Million Coders Programme. The upcoming Innovations and Start-up Bill, he said, will further support this ecosystem with legal and financial incentives.

Sukparu also revealed that NITA will this week unveil Ghana’s Certifying Authority, marking the launch of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)—a critical move to enhance digital trust, security, and authentication across all national digital platforms.

Other priorities highlighted included legal and regulatory modernization, digital infrastructure expansion, affordable access to digital services, skills development, regional integration under AfCFTA and strengthening digital trust systems.

“Ghana can and will become Africa’s digital trade hub. But this destiny will not be achieved by government alone,” he noted, calling on stakeholders to actively support the national agenda.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor who addressed the forum reiterated NITA’s role in leading Ghana’s digital transformation through infrastructure development, regulation, capacity building, and digital trust systems.

“This celebration is not just about technology, it is a national call to action to build an inclusive, innovative, and secure digital economy for Ghana and the African continent.”

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