What can Ghana do to be at the ForeFront of Technological Innovation and development in Africa.

Ghana has the potential to become a leading tech innovation hub in Africa if it makes the right investments and policy decisions. Ghana already has a relatively strong economy, political stability, and youthful population of entrepreneurs. However, Ghana lags behind African neighbors like Rwanda and Kenya in tech innovation and startup growth. For Ghana to reach its full potential, it needs to focus on the following areas

Invest in education. Ghana must improve science, technology, engineering and math education to build up a skilled tech workforce. Ghana could copy Rwanda’s model of partnering with foreign universities to build new tech-focused schools.

Support startups. The government should provide funding, tax incentives and infrastructure to support startup growth. Ghana could emulate Kenya’s model of establishing startup incubators and accelerators like iHub as well as startup funding and conferences like Rwanda’s YouthConnekt. Ghana could also pass laws providing tax breaks for tech startups and investors.

Improve infrastructure. Ghana needs to expand access to reliable electricity, internet connectivity and transportation. It could follow Rwanda’s lead in building nationwide high-speed internet and 4G networks with the support of foreign tech companies.

Create a business-friendly environment. Ghana must make it easier to start and operate businesses by reducing bureaucracy and corruption. Ghana could emulate Kenya’s success in improving its World Bank ease of doing business ranking. It could pass laws reducing red tape for registering and operating new businesses.

In addition to investments in infrastructure, education, and governance, Ghana should build links to tech hubs in Rwanda and Kenya. Ghanian startups would benefit from collaborating and sharing ideas with innovative companies across African borders. By learning from the success of its neighbors and forging Pan-African partnerships, Ghana can become a leader in African technology.

With the right laws, investments, and cooperation across borders, Ghana’s youthful entrepreneurs can build a thriving tech sector. Ghana’s government should act now to support innovation and follow the models of the Rwandas and Kenyas of Africa. The time is ripe for Ghana to lead.