Ghana Announces $1 Billion Innovation Hub and Digital Jobs Drive to Boost Tech Economy

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has urged African nations to take full ownership of their digital transformation, emphasizing that the continent must no longer remain a spectator in the global technological arena.

Speaking at the opening of the Mobex Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference 2025 held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the Minister outlined Ghana’s bold digital agenda under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. He explained that the strategy is anchored on four key pillars — Innovation, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Impact — designed to position Ghana as a continental leader in digital development.

As part of this vision, Hon. George highlighted the One Million Coders Initiative, which is training citizens across all 261 districts in key digital competencies including coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. The initiative aims to prepare Ghanaians for emerging technology-driven industries and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.

The Minister also announced the establishment of a $1 billion Ghana–UAE Innovation and Technology Hub in Dawa, which will serve as a regional innovation center, as well as plans to extend nationwide broadband coverage by 2027. In addition, he revealed that the government has submitted a proposal to Cabinet to include digital access infrastructure in all new road construction projects, ensuring that connectivity becomes a core component of national development.

Looking ahead, Ghana aims to create 200,000 technology-driven jobs by 2028, generating an estimated $2 billion annually through digital exports. To enable this growth, the Minister emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, citing the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPS) as a model for advancing seamless intra-African trade and payment integration.

To further drive innovation, Hon. George disclosed that the Ministry will introduce 15 new ICT-related bills to Parliament within the year and establish regulatory sandboxes to allow startups to safely test emerging technologies.

He concluded by calling on African innovators to focus on homegrown solutions to African challenges, envisioning a future where Africa transitions from being a consumer of technology to a creator and leader in the global digital revolution.