Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation as a driver of business and continental integration during the Africa Business Festival held in Accra.
Addressing participants at the “CEO’s Connect Summit” on behalf of the sector Minister, the Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, stressed that Africa’s ability to prosper under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would hinge on digital technology, innovation, and partnerships.
He commended the organisers, and the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, for convening policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors on a single platform to deliberate on strategies that could propel Africa’s growth in the digital age.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, Ghana is actively implementing bold policies and investments to establish a digitally enabled economy, ranging from e-governance platforms to digital financial inclusion and broadband expansion into rural communities, ensuring no one is left behind”
Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations
Highlighting the summit’s theme, the Deputy Minister said digital tools and platforms were no longer optional, but had become the foundation of competitiveness, resilience, and global relevance for African economies.
He emphasised that Ghana was determined to consolidate its role as a hub of business and technology in Africa by scaling up support for startups, FinTechs, and entrepreneurs.
According to him, the future of African business lay in digital trade and innovation. He said that through e-commerce and digital platforms, African entrepreneurs could access new markets, expand globally, and transform industries that had long lagged in technological application.
He added that the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations remained committed to nurturing the environment needed for growth, including strengthening digital infrastructure, providing enabling policies, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
From Consumers to Innovators
Hon. Sukparu underscored the urgency for Africa to move beyond its traditional role as a consumer of technology, insisting that the continent had to position itself as a producer and innovator.
This, he explained, would require deliberate collaboration between governments, the private sector, and academia.
“The future of Africa’s business lies not just in its markets, but in its innovation. If we digitize Africa, we globalize Africa,” he declared, urging entrepreneurs to fully adopt digital tools and urging investors to deepen partnerships with Africa’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.
He maintained that Africa’s global competitiveness would depend on building resilient digital economies that could stand alongside leading international players.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that Ghana’s approach to digital transformation would continue to hinge on partnerships that create lasting impact. He pointed out that the government’s interventions would only succeed when the private sector and academia played an equal role in advancing technology-driven development.
He assured participants that the Ministry would work to bridge gaps in digital literacy and access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. In his view, these measures were essential to ensuring that digital transformation left no one behind, while securing long-term economic benefits for all.
In conclusion, Hon. Sukparu praised the Africa Business Festival as a timely platform that not only stimulated dialogue but also inspired practical strategies for Africa’s digital and economic future. He expressed confidence that discussions from the summit would strengthen momentum toward a fully digitised Africa.
“The future of African business lies in digital trade and innovation,” he reiterated, noting that the festival’s impact would be felt in the partnerships and investments it helped foster.
The Africa Business Festival, organised in partnership with the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, gathered leaders from across sectors to chart a new path for African business underpinned by technology and innovation.
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