ICT
From The Report: Ghana 2020
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Ghana has the second-highest data penetration rate in sub-Saharan Africa, the fastest-growing mobile money market on the continent and a burgeoning tech start-up scene. ICT therefore represents one of the most dynamic areas of its economy. Recognising the sector’s potential, the government has stepped up efforts to stimulate market activity and pave the way for the rollout of 4G and 5G technology. Nevertheless, taxes and spectrum costs have dampened growth and emerging tech firms continue to struggle for financing. The rapid expansion of mobile data penetration and mobile money platforms has had a transformative effect on the economy, boosting financial inclusion and providing companies with new avenues to develop and market their products. These platforms have also opened up new opportunities for start-ups. This chapter also contains a roundtable with Daniel Asare Kyei, CEO, Esoko; Curtis Vanderpuije, CEO, ExpressPay; Daniel Marfo, General Manager, Zipline Ghana.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Ripple effect: Sectoral growth is supported by an expanding mobile money market, improved access to data and a burgeoning start-up scene
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Ghana has the second-highest data penetration rate in sub-Saharan Africa, the fastest-growing mobile money market on the continent and a burgeoning tech start-up scene. ICT therefore represents one of the most dynamic areas of its economy. Recognising the sector’s potential, the government has stepped up efforts to stimulate market activity and pave the way for the rollout of 4G and 5G technology. Nevertheless, taxes and spectrum costs have dampened growth and emerging tech firms continue…

Overview

Prospective catalyst: Daniel Asare-Kyei, CEO, Esoko; Curtis Vanderpuije, CEO, ExpressPay; and Daniel Marfo, General Manager, Zipline Ghana, on emerging technology and encouraging a start-up environment
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Interview: Daniel Asare-Kyei ; Curtis Vanderpuije ; and Daniel Marfo Which segments of the economy are most likely to benefit from emerging technologies? DANIEL MARFO: Technology could potentially revolutionise health care. This is urgently needed, especially in Ghana. Ghanaians have only recently embraced social media and mobile money. As a result, they have become more open to making technology an integral part of how they live and work. Over the past few years technology has enabled the emergence…

Analysis

Agenda for growth: Private-sector-focused strategy for the digitisation of public services and the development of digital industries
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As part of a broader strategy to establish Ghana as a leading centre of ICT innovation in sub-Saharan Africa, the government announced the release of a new digital roadmap in May 2019. This new strategy is set to consolidate and build upon increased digitisation of public services, while leveraging the rising use of digital technologies by businesses and consumers. Beginning with the launch of online passport renewals in December 2016 and a paperless port system in September 2017, the authorities…

Overview

Bridging the divide: The ever-expanding digital economy is creating widespread opportunities in the developing world
OBG
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More and more commercial transactions are moving online and the so-called digital economy continues to expand its reach into every facet of the traditional analogue economy. For businesses this means they have access to new channels to reach existing clients as well as new opportunities to expand market share with a competitive digital offering. For consumers the ever-expanding digital economy promises greater access to products and services at their fingertips, as well as increased ease in accessing and comparing information about them. This also tends to encourage more competitive pricing among providers. In emerging economies the development…

Overview

Bridging the divide: The ever-expanding digital economy is creating widespread opportunities in the developing world
OBG
plus

More and more commercial transactions are moving online and the so-called digital economy continues to expand its reach into every facet of the traditional analogue economy. For businesses this means they have access to new channels to reach existing clients as well as new opportunities to expand market share with a competitive digital offering. For consumers the ever-expanding digital economy promises greater access to products and services at their fingertips, as well as increased ease in accessing and comparing information about them. This also tends to encourage more competitive pricing among providers. In emerging economies the development…