The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called for innovative and flexible financing solutions to help unlock the full potential of Ghana’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
The Minister made the call at the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) ICT Sector Financing Roundtable in Accra, held under the theme, “From Connectivity to Capital: Unlocking Finance for Ghana’s ICT Sector.”
Ghana ICT Sector Needs Better Access to Capital
Samuel George acknowledged the progress Ghana has made in expanding digital connectivity and ICT infrastructure, but stressed that infrastructure alone would not be enough to maximise the benefits of the country’s growing digital economy.
“Connectivity without capital is a road half-built,” the Minister said.
He argued that technology businesses require patient and risk-aware capital that takes into account the unique business models and growth patterns of ICT companies.
According to him, several Ghanaian technology firms are developing innovative solutions in areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agritech, healthtech, edtech, logistics and digital commerce.
However, many of these businesses continue to face challenges in securing funding because traditional lending institutions often rely heavily on conventional collateral requirements.
Call for Venture Capital and Blended Financing
The Communications Minister therefore urged stakeholders to expand access to alternative financing models for businesses operating across Ghana’s ICT value chain.
He highlighted the importance of venture capital, private equity, patient capital, blended finance, guarantees and credit enhancement in helping technology companies secure the funding required to scale their operations.
Samuel George also outlined the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s digital economy, including investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, innovation, regulation and technology investment.
One Million Coders Programme Records Strong Demand
The Minister further highlighted progress under the government’s One Million Coders Programme.
As of August 2026, the programme had recorded 141,954 registered accounts nationwide, with significant interest in training areas including cybersecurity, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
The development forms part of efforts to build Ghana’s digital skills base and prepare young people for opportunities in the global technology economy.
Ghana Pushes Artificial Intelligence Development
Samuel George also pointed to the Ghana National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2035 as an important component of the country’s digital transformation agenda.
He highlighted the government’s US$250 million investment in a world-class Artificial Intelligence Computing Centre, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Ghana’s emerging AI ecosystem.
The investment is expected to support artificial intelligence development, innovation and technology-driven economic growth.
Stakeholders Urged to Develop Bankable ICT Projects
The Minister called on the government, Development Bank Ghana, financial institutions, investors, technology companies, development partners and academic institutions to move beyond discussions and work together to create bankable ICT projects.
He also urged stakeholders to develop innovative ICT financing instruments capable of attracting both local and international investment into Ghana’s technology sector.
According to Samuel George, improving access to capital will be critical if Ghana is to transform its growing digital infrastructure and talent pool into a globally competitive technology industry.
“Our ambition is not for Ghana to be a market for digital services. It is for Ghana to be a producer and exporter of them,” he stated.
The government’s renewed focus on ICT financing, artificial intelligence, digital skills and technology investment is expected to play a key role in positioning Ghana as a major digital economy and technology hub in Africa.
Source: newsthemegh.com