MoCD calls for sustainability in Africa Digital Economy

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu- Ekuful has stated that, “It was time for African leaders and stakeholders to begin conversation on Data Mining and Data governance as a key to ensuring a protected and sustainable digital economy in Africa”.

According to her, technology is constantly evolving with businesses and markets leveraging on digital platforms, to increase profits. Therefore, it is important that policies were developed to guide the Digital Transformational Agenda, under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).

The Hon. Minister made the comment at a panel discussion on the topic, “Building a Sustainable Digital Economy as a Driver and Enabler for Successful Implemetation of AFCFTA”, at the 3rd U.S-Ghana Business Forum.

The forum was held under the theme: “Leveraging the AfCFTA to Promote U.S Africa Commercial Partnerships”.

The objective was to strengthen trade and investment, as well as, promote business.

Further, it was hoped that this event would deepen diplomatic and commercial partnerships between Ghana and the United States for the successful implementation of AfCFTA.  It was in line with AfCFTA’s Secretariat objective to engage the private sector, the African diaspora, and other strategic partners for the effective implementation of the Agreement.

Madam Owusu-Ekuful maintained that the government of Ghana was committed to improving on digital infrastructure as such, the MoCD is implementing several initiatives to ensure that all stakeholders including Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Private Sector, Academia and individuals, were included in the digital marketing ecosystem in the country.

Some of the initiatives Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful outlined included; the Girls in ICT programme, Mobile Money Interoperability, Digital Addressing systems, among others.

She established the fact that the successful implementation of these digital platforms have also promoted trade and expanded the market scope globally.

She added that, the government is on course to make sure the country’s telecommunications system is effective in order to enhance easy and reliable internet connectivity as well as facilitate movement of goods and services.

The Minister also used the occasion to call on all stakeholders to increase investment in digital economy infrastructure since the AFCFTA presents an opportunity to alleviate poverty in Africa.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Africa Affairs at U.S State Department, Hon. Akunna E.Cook, stressed the need for Ghana and US to strengthen the business relationship by creating an enabling environment for the private sector to participate fully in AFCFTA programme.

She stated that governments should make deliberate commitments to protect intellectual property rights. Noting that there were over 170 million Africans living outside the continent and, opportunity should be provided to stay connected irrespective of their geographical locations.

The Vice President and Executive Director for Emerging Markets, Mr. Albert Anoubon Mamo, also emphasized the need for all countries to have legal framework on digital economy that will ensure that SME’s benefited from data collection and usage.

He stressed that the private sector would partner with governments to build a robust internet connectivity to enhance sustainable economic development.

The event which was organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Ghana U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S Embassy in Accra, also created the platform for participants to deliberate on pertinent issues and share experiences in the manufacturing and digital sectors.