By Jacob Aggrey
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Harriet Thompson, has commended the rapid growth and development of Ghana’s tech industry, describing it as a driving force for economic growth and innovation. Speaking ahead of the Tech in Ghana conference slated for November 26-27, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, she highlighted the British High Commission’s unwavering support for the sector since 2017.
According to the High Commissioner, Ghana’s tech ecosystem has become a platform for collaboration, bringing together innovators, investors, and industry players from across the globe. She emphasized that the platform showcases Ghana’s capabilities while fostering networking and knowledge-sharing among brilliant minds, which leads to innovative solutions for pressing global challenges.
“This is really showcasing what Ghana can do. It brings people together to network, share ideas, and find solutions to the world’s problems, which drives economic growth and creates opportunities,” she said.
Her Excellency expressed optimism about the upcoming edition of the Tech in Ghana event, noting that it is expected to be “bigger and better than ever.” She added that she looks forward to engaging in dynamic conversations and brainstorming innovative ideas to improve quality of life, increase income levels, and expand employment opportunities.
The High Commissioner also highlighted the international significance of the platform, noting that it positions Ghana as a hub for partnerships in technology. She remarked that the UK Government values the Tech in Ghana initiative for fostering a two-way exchange of information and ideas, enabling mutual learning between stakeholders.
Addressing concerns about barriers to technology access, such as cost, she affirmed that these challenges would be central to discussions at the event. “The whole echoes of Tech in Ghana is about overcoming challenges. If cost is excluding people from tech, I am sure this will be a key topic of discussion,” she stated.
Her Excellency further lauded the role of digitization in Ghana, citing the impressive achievements of local tech founders, investors, and multinational corporations. “When we think about the jobs of the future and the young people coming through Ghana’s education system, it is clear that they need to see and create opportunities in tech,” she added.
The Founder of Tech in Ghana, Akosua Annobil, also spoke with journalists after the press launch. She noted that over the past seven years, Ghana’s tech ecosystem had grown immensely. The upcoming event, she explained, would reflect both the growth of the ecosystem and the expansion of the platform itself.
According to Annobil, the platform has evolved beyond being just a conference and is now focused on elevating the voice of technology in Ghana. She urged attendees to download the new Tech in Ghana app, which provides networking tools, a personalized agenda, and details about exhibitors. She noted that this addition would enhance attendees’ experiences at the event.
The Group CEO of Old Mutual Ghana, Mr. Tavona Biza, also spoke at the event. He urged the country to address key issues such as regulation, support, and funding to fully harness its tech potential. He explained that partnering with the tech industry in Ghana aligns with Old Mutual’s goal of providing financial solutions to Ghanaians in the most efficient way possible. Mr. Biza expressed hope that the conference would serve as a stepping stone for many tech companies in the country.
Sponsors for this year’s Tech in Ghana Conference include Old Mutual Ghana, Andela, Turntabl, Silicon Overdrive, the British High Commission, the International Trade Centre, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Ashanti Investment Fund, and Aya Data.
