The Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, delivered a compelling address at the Africa Business Festival’s CEO’s Connect Summit in Accra, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships for Africa’s economic advancement within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He underscored the critical role of digital tools and platforms in enhancing competitiveness and achieving global relevance in today’s dynamic business landscape. Mr. Sukparu outlined Ghana’s proactive approach, under the leadership of President Mahama, in implementing comprehensive policies and investments geared towards fostering a digitally empowered economy. This includes initiatives ranging from the development of e-governance platforms to promoting digital financial inclusion and expanding broadband access to rural communities, ensuring equitable participation in the digital revolution.
The Deputy Minister further elaborated on the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for startups, FinTech companies, and entrepreneurs, with the ultimate goal of establishing Ghana as a prominent hub for business and technology in Africa. He identified digital trade and innovation as the cornerstones of Africa’s future business landscape, highlighting the significant role of e-commerce and digital platforms in empowering African entrepreneurs to access new markets, scale their operations globally, and drive transformative change across various industries. This strategic focus on digitalization aims to unlock unprecedented opportunities for African businesses to thrive in the global marketplace.
Mr. Sukparu emphasized the crucial need for Africa to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming active producers and innovators. He advocated for robust collaboration among governments, the private sector, and academia to cultivate resilient digital economies capable of competing effectively on the global stage. This collaborative approach, he argued, is essential to fostering innovation, developing local talent, and building a sustainable digital infrastructure that can support long-term economic growth. He urged entrepreneurs to embrace digital tools as a core growth strategy and encouraged investors to strengthen their partnerships within Africa’s rapidly expanding technology ecosystem.
Building on the theme of digital empowerment, Mr. Sukparu articulated a vision for Africa’s future that hinges on innovation and digital transformation. He asserted that “the future of Africa’s business lies not just in its markets, but in its innovation. If we digitize Africa, we globalize Africa.” This statement encapsulates the core message of his address, emphasizing that leveraging digital technologies is not just about modernizing existing businesses, but about unlocking entirely new possibilities for growth, innovation, and global integration. This paradigm shift, he argues, is key to transforming Africa’s economic trajectory and positioning the continent as a major player in the global digital economy.
The Deputy Minister’s emphasis on partnerships underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in realizing the full potential of digital transformation in Africa. He called for stronger collaboration between governments, private sector actors, and academic institutions to create an enabling environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. This collaborative ecosystem would foster knowledge sharing, skill development, and investment in critical digital infrastructure, ultimately driving economic growth and competitiveness. He also stressed the importance of international partnerships, encouraging global investors to engage with Africa’s burgeoning tech sector and contribute to the continent’s digital transformation journey.
In closing, Mr. Sukparu expressed his appreciation to Enzee Events and the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, the organizers of the Africa Business Festival, for providing a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors. He recognized the significance of such events in fostering meaningful connections and facilitating the exchange of ideas that are crucial to driving Africa’s digital transformation agenda. His address painted a clear picture of the transformative power of digital technology and innovation, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s vast potential within the context of the AfCFTA.
