By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, Oct. 24, GNA – Dr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, says Ghana must move beyond consuming technologies developed elsewhere and build the standards, infrastructure and confidence to design and govern its own digital solutions to support economic growth.
He said digital innovation was central to Ghana’s economic development and could create jobs, improve productivity and strengthen the country’s international partnerships.
Dr Debrah was speaking at the opening of a two-day Mobex Africa 2026 Conference on the theme: “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty: From Promise to Practice.”
He commended policymakers, innovators, investors and technologists for their commitment to advancing Africa’s digital development and creating opportunities for young people.
He said talent existed across the country, but deliberate efforts were needed to connect young people to training, investment and employment opportunities.
Dr Debrah said the government’s digital skills programme could equip young people with practical skills in coding, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and other areas of technology.
He said the programme’s success would depend on effective implementation, continuous assessment and efforts to address challenges identified during engagements with training centres and communities.
He stressed the need to ensure that young people from all backgrounds had access to digital training, regardless of their income or geographical location.
Dr Debrah said graduates needed pathways into professional employment, including internships, international opportunities, outsourcing and investment-supported ventures.
He said the skills acquired could also enable young entrepreneurs to develop solutions to challenges in agriculture, health, education, transport, finance and local government.
He urged industry players to work with training institutions to identify skills in demand and align programmes with labour-market needs.
He said businesses also had a responsibility to provide mentorship, practical experience and opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop and market their solutions.
Dr Debrah said Ghana was working to position itself as a destination for technology, investment and digital services while making public services faster, simpler and more transparent.
He said Africa’s digital future required interoperable payment systems, trusted data and compatible technologies, adding that governments, businesses and other stakeholders had to work together to remove barriers and implement agreed policies.
Mr George Spencer Quaye, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mobex Africa, said the conference provided a platform for governments, industry players, regulators, innovators and investors to discuss practical ways of advancing Africa’s digital future.
He said the continent needed to translate its technological ambitions into measurable outcomes by strengthening collaboration, developing secure and inclusive digital systems, and creating opportunities for businesses and young people.
Mr Quaye said the “One Africa, One World” vision required an ecosystem that enabled people and businesses to connect, verify identities, access services and participate in the digital economy across borders.
He called for sustained partnerships and investment to ensure that Africa’s digital transformation generated lasting value for the continent and its people.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
Email address: [email protected]