Ghana Targets 2030 Ambition to Boost Domestic Digital Capacity

Key Takeaways

• Ghana aims to increase domestic digital capacity by 2030 through targeted government investments.
• The country needs to develop a comprehensive Local Digital Content and Software Development Framework.
• The framework will help Ghana retain more of its government ICT expenditure domestically.

Ghana is poised to take a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey by setting a national ambition to boost its domestic digital capacity. The government has identified the need for a targeted approach to increase the country's digital productive capacity by 2030. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and create opportunities for growth.

The current landscape of Ghana's digital sector highlights the need for a comprehensive policy framework. Despite the increasing demand for digital services, the country still imports a significant amount of software and technology. This not only affects the local economy but also limits the growth of indigenous digital companies.

Background & Context

Ghana's digital sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for digital services. However, the country still lags behind in terms of developing its own digital content and software. The government has recognized the need for a policy framework to address this gap and promote the growth of indigenous digital companies.

The development of a Local Digital Content and Software Development Framework will help Ghana retain more of its government ICT expenditure domestically. This will not only create jobs and stimulate local economic growth but also increase the country's digital competitiveness.

Key Findings

Research has shown that the number of software developers and digital professionals in Ghana is increasing, but the country still needs to develop its own digital content and software. The annual revenue of Ghanaian software companies is relatively low compared to other countries in the region.

Furthermore, the value of locally developed software is also low, indicating a need for support and investment in the sector. The government's ICT expenditure retained domestically is also a key area of concern, with a significant portion being spent on imported software and technology.

Broader Implications

The development of a comprehensive Local Digital Content and Software Development Framework will have far-reaching implications for Ghana's digital sector. It will create opportunities for growth and job creation, stimulate local economic development, and increase the country's digital competitiveness.

The framework will also help Ghana to reduce its reliance on imported software and technology, promoting the growth of indigenous digital companies. This will not only contribute to the country's economic growth but also increase its digital sovereignty.

Looking Ahead

The government's ambition to boost Ghana's domestic digital capacity by 2030 is a significant step forward in the country's digital transformation journey. The development of a comprehensive Local Digital Content and Software Development Framework will be crucial in achieving this goal.

The framework will require the involvement of key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, and civil society organizations. It will also need to address the current challenges facing the digital sector, including the need for skilled workers, investment in infrastructure, and support for indigenous digital companies.