Africa Must Lead Its Own Digital Revolution – Samuel Nartey George

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has called on African nations to take charge of their digital transformation, stressing that the continent can no longer afford to be a spectator in the global digital space.
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‎Speaking today, at the opening of the Mobex Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference 2025 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the Minister said Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama, is pursuing a bold digital agenda built on four pillars — Innovation, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Impact.
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‎He highlighted the One Million Coders Initiative, which is training citizens in all 261 districts in coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics to prepare Ghanaians for the industries of the future.
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‎Hon. Samuel Nartey George also announced the establishment of a $1 billion Ghana-UAE Innovation and Technology Hub in Dawa and plans to extend nationwide broadband coverage by 2027.
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‎He further disclosed a proposal to Cabinet to ensure every new road construction includes digital access infrastructure.
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‎The Minister revealed that Ghana aims to create 200,000 technology-driven jobs by 2028, generating about $2 billion annually through digital exports.
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‎He emphasized Africa’s need for digital sovereignty through initiatives like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPS) to enable seamless intra-African trade and payments.
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‎To support innovation, the Minister said 15 new ICT-related bills will be laid before Parliament this year, and regulatory sandboxes will be created to allow innovators to test new technologies.
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‎He therefore urged African innovators to develop homegrown solutions for African challenges, envisioning an Africa that is not a consumer but a creator and leader in the global digital revolution.