From SMS To Commerce: Hubtel Survives 20 years.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review : One-Month Deadline for Starlink, Paul Azunre's AI for Ghanaian Languages, MTN’s BankTech Disburses $592 Million, Chowdeck Launches in Ghana, Kodu Technology.
Digital Digest No.#1101100
Date: May 13 - May 18 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
Ghana’s Minister Sets One-Month Deadline for Starlink to Comply With Regulations
Starlink is currently operating in Ghana without a physical office or customer support system. The government says that must change—fast. Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has given satellite internet provider Starlink one month to meet the country’s regulatory requirements….
Digital infrastructure and platforms
News updates
Digital finance
News updates
MTN’s BankTech Disburses $592 Million In Q1 Loans
BankTech, the digital lending arm of MTN Mobile Money unit, disbursed a record $592 million in loans in Q1 2025, according to MTN Group’s financials, its highest since launching in August 2023.
The lending platform is MTN’s strategic push into banking-as-a-service (BaaS), offering APIs that enable fintech startups, businesses, and digital platforms to integrate financial services, such as lending, savings, and insurance, directly into their ecosystems. Loans are primarily issued to individuals and small businesses through MTN’s BankTech platform.
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
Paul Azunre Is Building AI for Ghanaian Languages
“In four years, Ghana will become the centre and the hub of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”- Sam George at his Ministerial Vetting. One of the key players in the AI space in Ghana is AI researcher and developer, Dr Paul Azunre who’s co-founder of Ghana NLP. Paul Azunre has been up to building natural language processing (NLP) systems for Ghanaian languages and It’s not been an easy journey! Is he getting any support from government? What has been the challenges and successes? Tech Labari interviewed him in this piece……………
Chowdeck Officially Launches in Ghana
Nigerian-born delivery platform Chowdeck has officially launched operations in Ghana, starting in Accra. Ghana is its first step in a pan-African expansion. Customers can order food, groceries, and household items with average 30-minute delivery.
How AgriCoHub invested nearly GHS 1 Million in startups
Ask any African founder about their biggest challenges, and access to finance will inevitably make the top five. For entrepreneurs operating outside major tech hubs, the struggle is even more acute. In Ghana’s Bono-East region, Techiman-based AgriCoHub is tackling this problem head-on with an innovative solution: the Startups Cooperative Credit Union…………………….
Kodu Technology Is Promoting Menstrual Hygiene Through Agricultural Innovation
For most girls, the lack of access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products means missing school, withdrawing from social activities and losing confidence.But one Ghanaian start-up is determined to change.
Meet Kodu Technology, the social enterprise that is transforming plantain and banana waste into eco-friendly and affordable sanitary pads.
From SMS to Commerce: Hubtel Celebrates 20 years
In a speech titled Letter to God at the 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner, CEO of Hubtel Alex Bram narrates the Hubtel journey, from idea to early struggles, wins and eureka moments…………….
iSpace Ghana and UK-Based AI Researcher Launch Free Digital Skills Program For Youth
iSpace Ghana has partnered with Thompson Nnamdi Ikechukwu, a UK-based Nigerian Data Architect and AI researcher, to launch a free digital skills training program targeting Ghanaian youth.
Modelled after the success of Spark9ja in Nigeria, the initiative offers participants access to world-class training in data science, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The training would be delivered through the iSpace Innovation Hub in Accra.
Renowned Ghanaian IT expert and CEO of Liranz Consulting, Nicholas Bortey, has been appointed as an adjudicator for the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge., slated for June 24 to 26, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. As an adjudicator, Nicholas Bortey will play a crucial role in evaluating innovative projects and ideas presented during the summit.
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Digital talents
News updates
iSpace Ghana and UK-Based AI Researcher Launch Free Digital Skills Program For Youth
iSpace Ghana has partnered with Thompson Nnamdi Ikechukwu, a UK-based Nigerian Data Architect and AI researcher, to launch a free digital skills training program targeting Ghanaian youth.
Modelled after the success of Spark9ja in Nigeria, the initiative offers participants access to world-class training in data science, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The training would be delivered through the iSpace Innovation Hub in Accra.
Renowned Ghanaian IT expert and CEO of Liranz Consulting, Nicholas Bortey, has been appointed as an adjudicator for the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge., slated for June 24 to 26, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. As an adjudicator, Nicholas Bortey will play a crucial role in evaluating innovative projects and ideas presented during the summit.
Consider sharing us with your friends, co-workers, and tech enthusiasts in your network.
We listened to this, we think you should too;
The trouble with humility : Authority and humility are not mutually exclusive. This week, the team talks about the role of a leader and the importance of perspective, dignity, and self-awareness.
The Tech, Art & Soul Podcast asks the big questions about the possibilities when three worlds come together. The technology affecting cultures, the creativity pushing the boundaries of our imagination, and the people inspiring positive change with radical innovation.
The podcast explores these interplays through authentic, unscripted conversations with artists, technologists, and thought leaders who challenge our view of the world.
Check out all 8 episodes the Tech, Art And Soul Podcast on Youtube or Stream on the following platforms:
Spotify , Deezer, Podcast Addict, Apple Podcast, Pocket Casts.
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Cheers! 🍻 .