Ghana’s participation in the 2025 Japan Expo in Osaka signifies a strategic move to showcase the nation’s burgeoning ICT sector on the global stage and foster collaborations with international partners, particularly Japan. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, emphasized that the Expo provides a transformative platform to highlight Ghana’s advancements in areas like fintech, e-governance, digital health, and smart solutions, all of which are driving the country’s digital transformation and creating economic opportunities. The delegation, primarily composed of private sector players in the technology and innovation landscape, will actively engage in exhibitions, business forums, and B2B sessions to forge partnerships, attract investment, and build bridges with Japanese businesses. This approach aligns with Ghana’s broader vision of becoming a hub for ICT excellence in Africa and enabling local businesses to compete globally.
A key element of Ghana’s presence at the Expo will be a dedicated “Ghana Day” on September 11, 2025. This event will serve as a focal point for celebrating bilateral relations between Ghana and Japan and provide a platform for cultural and technological exchange. High-ranking Ghanaian officials are expected to attend, further emphasizing the importance of the event. The government is also working towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with relevant Japanese institutions to facilitate collaborations in areas such as digital infrastructure development, cybersecurity enhancement, capacity building initiatives, and technology transfer. This MoU will provide a structured framework for boosting broadband access within Ghana, training youth in cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and promoting digital literacy nationwide.
The Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Mr. Mitori Naoki, expressed Japan’s strong commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana through technological and developmental cooperation. He lauded Ghana’s digitalization agenda, particularly its focus on modernizing public and private sector operations, as crucial for achieving a 24-hour economy. He emphasized the significance of upcoming events like the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and the Osaka Kansai World Expo as platforms for deepening Japan-Africa relations. TICAD provides a forum for African leaders and development stakeholders to discuss sustainable development strategies, while the Expo showcases innovative solutions for future societies.
The Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Societies for Our Lives,” aligns with Ghana’s ambition to leverage technology for national development. By participating, Ghana aims not only to display its achievements but also to learn from global best practices and forge partnerships that can drive further innovation. The Expo itself, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, has already attracted millions of visitors, providing a significant audience for Ghana’s showcase. The event’s mascot, Miyaku Miyaku, symbolizes global unity, innovation, and cultural heritage, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the Expo. Mr. Naoki expressed confidence in Ghana’s active involvement in both TICAD and the Expo.
Ghana’s participation in the Expo goes beyond mere visibility; it’s about achieving concrete outcomes. The delegation aims to secure partnerships that translate into real opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, facilitate knowledge transfer, and empower the next generation of innovators. The focus is on leveraging the Expo as a springboard for long-term growth and development within Ghana’s ICT sector. The government’s proactive approach, including the planned MoU with Japanese institutions, demonstrates a commitment to maximizing the benefits of participating in this international event.
In essence, Ghana’s presence at the 2025 Japan Expo represents a strategic investment in the nation’s future. It’s an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s technological prowess, attract international investment, and build lasting partnerships that will contribute to the country’s ongoing digital transformation. The Expo provides a platform for Ghana to not only share its achievements but also to learn from global leaders and contribute to the collective effort of designing future societies through innovation and collaboration. The emphasis on practical outcomes, like the planned MoU and the focus on fostering business partnerships, underscores Ghana’s commitment to turning the Expo participation into tangible benefits for the country’s ICT sector and its overall economic development.
