Hubtel at 20: Minister Samuel George Celebrates Ghana’s Homegrown Digital Pioneer
Minister Samuel Nartey George celebrates Hubtel’s 20-year journey, highlighting its rise from campus startup to a leading digital powerhouse.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George , has lauded the home-grown tech company Hubtel for its extraordinary contributions to Ghana’s digital transformation over the past two decades as it marks 20 years of connecting businesses to communities.
The Minister described Hubtel as a shining example of what is possible when bold dreams meet hard work, innovation, and patriotism.
Speaking at the Thanksgiving dinner held yesterday as part of activities to commemorate the event, Hon. George recounted his personal journey with the Hubtel founders, dating back to 2004 during their University days at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He shared how their youthful ambition, coupled with resilience and creativity, turned a near-failed campus event into a success story, symbolic of the Hubtel journey itself.
Even without night flights into Kumasi, they managed to fly in a VIP to perform that night. That same determination has driven Hubtel’s success story. It’s not just a tech company; it’s a legacy of innovation built on Ghanaian soil.
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
According to him, Hubtel has evolved from a simple SMS-based business tool to a powerhouse of digital commerce solutions, pioneering mobile payments, e-commerce platforms, and customer engagement tools.
The Minister noted that their transformation reflects the broader narrative of Ghana’s digital journey, calling the company “a critical leader” in shaping how businesses communicate, transact, and grow.
Highlighting their role in real-world impact, Hon. George revealed how Hubtel’s swift support enabled a political campaign to raise crucial funds in 2019, when other service providers declined.
The Minister affirmed his commitment to supporting all Ghanaian tech enterprises, regardless of political leanings, stating,
As Minister, I support any business driving innovation for national development—whether you wear blue, green or red.
– Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Ghana
He emphasized the government’s ongoing agenda to build a digitally inclusive, data-driven economy, with President John Mahama’s vision focusing on integrating technology across all sectors. With companies like Hubtel leading the charge, Hon. George expressed confidence that Ghana is not just ready for the future—it is poised to shape it.
He also called for increased support for innovation emerging from Universities. “KNUST is not just producing graduates. It is producing visionaries”, he said, praising the institution’s role in birthing some of the country’s brightest innovators.
