Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, delivered a keynote lecture at Harvard University focused on Africa’s digital transformation and Ghana’s achievements in digitalization. The February 16, 2025 presentation, titled “Africa Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress,” outlined the country’s digital initiatives and their economic impact.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of Africa embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, noting that the continent had missed previous industrial revolutions. He advocated for African policymakers to approach technology with a mindset of possibilities, suggesting that the continent could potentially leapfrog advanced nations in various sectors.
Ghana’s digitalization strategy over the past eight years has targeted specific challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, financial services, and public service delivery. The implementation of a national digital identity system has been a cornerstone of these efforts, with Ghana Cards now issued to 85 percent of the adult population. The Ghana Card has evolved beyond basic identification to integrate financial services and driver’s license functionality, representing a major step forward in the country’s digital infrastructure.
The country has established a digital address system, which, together with mobile money interoperability, has substantially improved financial inclusion. The digital infrastructure has particularly benefited the informal sector by enabling secure and efficient digital payments. The expansion of digital identity verification services in Ghana has further strengthened the country’s financial technology ecosystem, making it easier for citizens to access banking and payment services.
In the healthcare sector, Ghana has digitized medical records at government hospitals and implemented a medical drone delivery service to reach remote areas. The digitalization initiative has also streamlined various government services, including passport applications, driver’s licenses, and business registrations.
The digital transformation has fostered e-commerce growth, creating new business opportunities for Ghanaians. Dr. Bawumia noted that social media platforms have become viable marketplaces, allowing entrepreneurs to establish online businesses without the overhead costs of physical locations. The development has been supported by the country’s improved digital payment infrastructure and identity verification systems.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Bawumia called for African leaders to embrace digital technology as a means of unlocking the continent’s potential, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments, businesses, educators, and innovators. Ghana’s success in implementing these digital initiatives serves as a model for other African nations pursuing similar digital transformation strategies.
Sources: 3News, MyJoyOnline, Graphic Online
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