Digital Adoption : Only 37% of Ghanaian Businesses Use Digital Payments.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review : Second SIM Re-registration, Zipline Drones impact, MTN SME Accelerator Programme, KOICA IT project, Kelni GVG Contract, digital payments adoption............
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Digital Digest No.#1100111
Date: April 8 - April 13 2025
Dear Friends,
Happy New Week!🎉
Here are the most important news, perspectives, analysis, and insights about the Ghanaian digital ecosystem from last week
Digital governance
News updates
Second SIM Re-registration Set For June
The second re-registration of SIM cards, fully online, using only Ghana Card details and customer data available at the various telcos is set for June this year. It’s the new government’s attempt to ensure accurate data on valid SIMs for better industry regulation
Sam George Demands Physical Presence Of Starlink In Ghana
Minister for Digital Technology, Sam George, is pushing for Starlink to establish a physical office in Ghana. He argues this is essential for accountability, consumer protection, and proper regulation. Starlink, which began operations in Ghana in 2024, currently operates remotely, a move George believes weakens oversight.
Digital infrastructure and platforms
News updates
Zipline Drones Cut Maternal Deaths by 56% in Ghana
A new study by Zipline and Ghana Health Service shows Zipline’s drone delivery system has significantly improved maternal health outcomes in Ghana’s Ashanti Region—cutting maternal deaths by 56.4% at health facilities served by the company.
After 2 years of restriction due to it’s SMP status, the Ministry for Communication has now approved technology neutrality (tech neutrality) for MTN Ghana to enable the telecom giant to deploy existing spectrum bands more flexibly to enhance network performance. “The days of unchecked underperformance are over, the NCA will begin strict monitoring within three months of the spectrum allocation, with sanctions to follow any failure to improve service quality.” – Sam George
Government Will Not Renew Kelni GVG Contract Over Unsustainable Costs
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology has announced that it will not renew its contract with Kelni GVG, the private company managing Ghana’s telecom traffic monitoring system, once it expires. The $89 million contract with Kelni GVG has faced consistent public scrutiny since its inception.
Communication Minister Sam George has raised concerns about the dire state of AirtelTigo, revealing that the state-owned telecom operator is saddled with an unsustainable debt burden of over $200 million!
Digital finance
News updates
Only 37% of Ghanaian Businesses Use Digital Payments, New Report Finds
Just 37% of businesses in Ghana accept or use digital payments, with agriculture firms showing the lowest adoption rates, according to a new report on digital financial services by ReFinD and ISSER, supported by the Ghana Statistical Service. Here is what holding them back……..
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
MTN Ghana Launches SME Accelerator Programme to Drive Digital Transformation
MTN Ghana has launched a year-long SME Accelerator Programme to support small businesses through digital tools and tailored business solutions. The initiative targets key challenges like digital adoption and capacity development. Participants will benefit from tailored MTN business solutions such as “MTN MyBusiness,” “YellowBiz,” and the SME Mate platform, alongside unified communications and digital tools designed to enhance efficiency and market reach.
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Digital talents
News updates
Chowdeck Hires Bolt Ghana Exec to Lead Accra Expansion
Nigerian food delivery startup Chowdeck has hired Henry Whyte, formerly senior operations manager at Bolt Ghana, to lead its expansion into Ghana, a significant step in Chowdeck’s international growth, as it prepares to compete directly with Bolt Food in Accra.
KNUST Student Benjamin Abotsi Builds Free AI Study Tool
Benjamin Etornam Abotsi, a third-year Computer Engineering student at KNUST, has created Prep AI—a free tool that generates study questions from uploaded notes. Developed during a period of personal grief, Prep AI aims to assist students in their studies by providing instant feedback and explanations. Since its launch, over 1,000 students have used the tool, generating more than 50,000 questions
KOICA Launches Maiden ICT Project In Eastern Region
A project to enhance the study of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) in 14 basic schools and two Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the Eastern Regional capital Koforidua, has been officially launched.It is being funded and spearheaded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Blossom Academy receives support to train 150 youth in data analytics
Blossom Academy, a leading data-focused non-profit in Africa, has received a significant grant from the Internet Society Foundation's SCILLS program to train 150 underemployed Ghanaian youth in data analytics. The initiative aims to equip participants, half of whom are women, with globally relevant digital skills to unlock high-value career paths in the tech-driven economy.
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Check out all 8 episodes the Tech, Art And Soul Podcast on Youtube or Stream on the following platforms:
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Cheers! 🍻 .