ICT
From The Report: Ghana 2019
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With one of the region’s highest levels of mobile data penetration and a thriving start-up scene, Ghana’s ICT sector is one of the most active parts of the economy, and the government recognises that ICT is a central economic driver and enabler, becoming increasingly active in its support of the industry, while also working to tackle new threats such as cybercrime in its goal of developing Ghana’s middle-income status. Broadband internet is a growing necessity to support businesses of all kinds, thus Ghana is currently rolling out 4G networks. Economic and demographic factors mean that this is a fast-growing market, with a young generation increasingly enthusiastic about communications and technology.

This chapter contains interviews with Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications; and William Senyo, Co-founder and CEO, Impact Hub Accra.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Talking tech: Public and private sector stakeholders invest in the digital start- up ecosystem to support future growth
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With one of the region’s highest levels of mobile data penetration and a thriving start-up scene, Ghana’s ICT sector is one of the most active parts of the economy. The government sees ICT development as central to meeting the country’s goal of entrenching and developing its middle-income status. Just as better transport infrastructure is seen as essential to industrial and logistical development, the availability of broadband internet is a growing necessity to support businesses of…

Analysis

Inclusive coverage: Growing data subscriptions and wider 4G infrastructure pave the way for high penetration rates and increased demand
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In line with global trends, Ghana’s telecoms operators are looking to data to drive higher average revenue per user, in response to voice revenues either growing slowly or plateauing completely. “Data is becoming an increasingly valuable resource in the Ghanaian techspace,” Mark Addo, CEO of West Blue Consulting, told OBG. “In addition, programmes such as the national ID system highlight the process of digitisation occurring in all areas of society,” he said. Growing Subscriptions According…

Interview

Modern communication: Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, on increasing awareness and the role of emerging technologies
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Interview:Kenneth Ashigbey How can increased data penetration and consistent usage be encouraged? KENNETH ASHIGBEY: One condition for telecoms licensing in Ghana is that coverage must be provided in all of the district capitals. The GSM Association tells us that 85% of Ghana has 3G signal coverage. The 15% without coverage are the extremely remote areas, where activity levels are low and the population density is sparse. This data tells us that much of the infrastructure to support increased…

Interview

Local talent: William Senyo, Co-founder and CEO, Impact Hub Accra, on using technology to boost the private sector
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Interview:William Senyo How can the quality and availability of skilled technicians and developers be assessed? WILLIAM SENYO: Recruiting skilled technicians and developers in Ghana is challenging, but it is possible due to a growing pool of these graduates in the labour market. However, demand for technical profiles is increasing and if the public and private sectors are to keep pace, we must encourage prospective higher education students to consider studies in computer sciences. While…

Analysis

Safe and secure: As use of online services continues to grow, strengthening cybersecurity remains a top area of concern for banks
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As an increasing number of businesses and government services migrate online, cybersecurity has become a pressing issue. According to the Cybercrime Unit of Ghana’s Criminal Investigations Department, in the first seven months of 2018 Ghana lost approximately $97m to cybercrime, up from $69m in 2017 and $26m in 2016. President Nana Akufo-Addo called cybersecurity a national security issue, as it can undermine government initiatives when rolling out technology for official procedures, including…

Overview

Building blocks: Blockchain technology has applications that could revolutionise trade and provide opportunities for the developing world – Ghana
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Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted around the globe. While the technology is still taking off and its potential is not fully known, many emerging markets are hoping that it will allow them to leapfrog older infrastructure and tackle a range of challenges, including centralised database development, corruption and fraud, and persistently high transaction costs for electronic payments. Blockchain Explained A blockchain is a cryptographically protected, distributed…