The 2025 National ICT Week Celebration in Ghana, themed “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub — Innovation, Policy, and Partnerships for the Future,” commenced with a resounding call to action for the nation to spearhead Africa’s digital trade revolution. This four-day event, a confluence of government officials, industry leaders, academics, and development partners, served as a crucial platform for shaping Ghana’s digital trajectory, fostering dialogue, and formulating policies to propel the nation’s digital transformation. The overarching objective was to establish Ghana as a pivotal digital trade hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Ing. Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, Acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), emphasized the event’s significance as more than just a celebratory occasion. He highlighted its role as a catalyst for collaboration and policy development, essential for driving both national and continental progress in the digital realm. The discussions and interactions fostered during the event were envisioned to translate into concrete policies that would reshape Ghana’s digital landscape and position the country as a leader in the African digital economy.
Representing Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Policy Adviser Samuel Ofosu Ampofo underscored key government initiatives, including the 24-hour economy and the One Million Coders program. These strategic interventions are aimed at equipping Ghana’s youth with the necessary skills to drive the nation’s digital ambitions. The 24-hour economy seeks to leverage technology and flexible work arrangements to maximize productivity and economic activity, while the One Million Coders program aims to empower a significant portion of the population with coding skills, creating a robust talent pool for the burgeoning digital sector. These initiatives, Mr. Ofosu Ampofo asserted, would be instrumental in realizing Ghana’s aspiration of becoming Africa’s digital trade hub under the AfCFTA.
Deputy Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, emphasized the critical role of trust in Ghana’s digital transformation journey. He underscored the importance of the Ghana Certifying Authority and the adoption of public key infrastructure (PKI) as essential tools for bolstering security and fostering confidence in online transactions. Building trust, he argued, is paramount for encouraging participation in the digital economy, both domestically and internationally. The establishment of the Ghana Certifying Authority and the implementation of PKI are seen as crucial steps in strengthening the nation’s digital ecosystem and assuring users of the security and reliability of online platforms.
The 2025 ICT Week delved into critical areas such as e-commerce, cybersecurity, and innovation, examining the policy reforms necessary to further Ghana’s digital aspirations. The discussions focused on creating an enabling environment for digital businesses, ensuring secure online transactions, and fostering a culture of innovation within the ICT sector. Participants explored strategies to enhance digital literacy, expand access to technology, and promote the development of digital infrastructure. The event served as a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, identify challenges, and collaborate on solutions to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation.
The overarching theme of establishing Ghana as Africa’s digital trade hub resonated throughout the event, with participants recognizing the immense potential of the digital economy to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of citizens. By focusing on innovation, skills development, and strategic partnerships, Ghana aims to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and establish itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The 2025 National ICT Week provided a valuable platform for charting a course toward realizing this ambitious vision, solidifying Ghana’s position as a driving force in Africa’s digital future. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, policy reform, and investment in human capital to unlock the full potential of the digital economy and position Ghana at the forefront of continental digital trade.
