Ghana’s Deputy Minister Urges Africa to Shift from Digital Dependence to Digital Determination

In a recent address at the AMC–TICON Africa Joint Conference in Accra, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, called for Africa to shift from being digitally dependent to digitally determined. He stressed that the continent must move beyond being passive consumers of imported technologies and become active creators of homegrown solutions and global brands.

Representing the Sector Minister, Sukparu highlighted Ghana’s commitment to becoming a continental leader in innovation under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. He detailed several initiatives aimed at achieving this vision. These include the Ghana–UAE Tech and Innovation Hub, a $1 billion project expected to attract major global tech companies and African talent, with its first phase scheduled for 2026. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the “One Million Coders Programme,” which is training young Ghanaians in key areas such as cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning through partnerships with companies like Huawei and MTN.

Sukparu emphasized the vital role of marketing in this digital transformation, describing it as the bridge between innovation and impact. He urged African marketers to rebrand the continent as a hub of opportunity and to leverage platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African commerce. He concluded by commending the African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and the Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON) for their collaboration, citing it as a prime example of the cross-sector partnerships needed to drive sustainable growth.