The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called for innovative and flexible financing models to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
He said Ghana’s progress in digital connectivity would not translate into the full benefits of a digital economy unless technology businesses could access the capital needed to grow.
“Connectivity without capital is a road half-built,” the Minister said, calling for patient, risk-aware capital that understands the unique business models of technology enterprises.
He made the call at the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) ICT Sector Financing Roundtable in Accra, held on the theme, “From Connectivity to Capital: Unlocking Finance for Ghana’s ICT Sector.”
Mr George said Ghanaian technology companies were developing solutions across fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agritech, healthtech, edtech, logistics and digital commerce, but many continued to face difficulties securing finance.
According to him, traditional lending models, which often rely on conventional collateral, do not adequately reflect the nature of technology businesses.
He therefore called for greater use of venture capital, private equity, patient capital, blended finance, guarantees and credit enhancement to support businesses across the ICT value chain.
The Minister also highlighted Government’s efforts to strengthen the digital economy through infrastructure, skills development, innovation, regulation and investment.
He said the One Million Coders Programme had recorded 141,954 registered accounts nationwide as of August 2026, with strong demand for training in cybersecurity, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Mr George further cited the Ghana National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, 2025–2035, and Government’s US$250 million investment in a world-class Artificial Intelligence Computing Centre as key steps towards strengthening the country’s AI ecosystem.
He urged Government, DBG, financial institutions, investors, technology companies, development partners and academia to move beyond discussions and collaborate on bankable ICT projects and financing instruments capable of attracting domestic and international capital.
“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 said.
