Data Protection Commission Strikes Again!: 5 Business Executives Arrested Over Data Privacy Breaches.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: GOG spent $5.5M on spyware, Huawei IT competition kicks off In Ghana, Ghana joins South Africa E- visa list, and more...
Accra Digital Digest No. #100010
Date: September 25 - October 1, 2023
Dear Friends,
Welcome to a new month! We hope this “ber” treats you well. Here are the most important news, perspectives, analysis, and insights about the Ghanaian digital ecosystem from last week.
Digital governance
News updates
Government Of Ghana Spent $5.5 Million On Pegasus Spyware From NSO Group, Report Reveals.
A report called “Mapping the Supply of Surveillance Technologies to Africa” has been published and details the state of surveillance by governments in some African countries including Ghana.
Some Ghanaian activists have alleged that they, alongside journalists and political opposition, were the targets of the spyware.
Data Protection Commission arrest five Business Executives over Data privacy Breaches
A joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Data Protection Commission has led to the arrest of five business executives over data privacy breaches.
The director of regulatory compliance at the commission said they intend to crack the whip on institutions failing to register data collection operations, and ensure that business owners are compliant with data privacy regulations.
Digital infrastructure and platforms
News updates
South Africa adds Ghana to E Visa list
The South African government has announced that Ghana has been added to the E Visa list. This means that Ghanaian citizens seeking to travel to South Africa can now apply for visas online, without having to visit the South African High Commission in Accra.
GCB releases super Mobile App
GCB Bank PLC (GCB) has released its new enhanced mobile banking application (App)to replace the current one. The bank promises more convenience, security and better customer experience with its enhanced App.
Digital finance
News updates
op-ed
The state of fintech companies In Ghana – options for driving performance and profitability
While Ghana's fintech sector has seen growth in companies like Zeepay and MTN Mobile Money, most of the 47 licensed fintech companies are struggling with profitability and scaling.
What can regulators and large players do to help underperforming fintechs survive their early stages? Is increased collaboration between startups and industry leaders the answer to building a stronger ecosystem?
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
op-ed
In Memorium: Revisiting Five Ghanaian Startups Who Shut Down
While Ghana's start up ecosystem has expanded in recent years with successful companies like Zeepay, Complete Farmer and Hubtel emerging, not all startups have scaled as hoped.
Here are some 5 Ghanaian start-ups who have shut down despite raising funds and getting spotlights in the media.
Digital talents
News updates
2023/24 Huawei ICT competition kicks off in Ghana
Huawei, in collaboration with local universities in Ghana, is set to commence the 2023-2024 edition of its global talent exchange event dubbed “Huawei ICT Competition”.
The event seeks to introduce students to new technologies and increase their innovation ability as it provides them with the platform to compete healthily and exchange ideas with peers within and outside the country.
Thanks for reading this week’s edition of the Accra Digital Digest.
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