Ghana changer? MTN plans to build a multipurpose ICT centre in Accra to commemorate its 25th anniversary.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: Vodafone Ghana expands its network reach, Ghana cards ready for pick, E-tax compliance certificate launched, KIC AgriTech winners announced and more ...
Accra Digital Digest No. #001001
Date: March 27 - April 2, 2023
Dear friends,
Happy new month! We are excited to share with you the most important news, perspectives, analysis, and insights about Ghanaian digital ecosystem last week.
Digital infrastructure & platforms
News updates
Vodafone Ghana Expands Reach, Offers Nationwide Connectivity
Vodafone Ghana has announced an expansion of its national roaming service partnership with MTN, to improve connectivity for customers throughout the country. The initiative, which initially began with a pilot program last year, has been expanded to cover the entire nation.
The Ghana cyber security authority has issued a public alert cautioning about online money lending platforms.
NIA completes printing backlog of Ghana Cards
The National Identification Authority (NIA) says all Ghanaians who registered for their Ghana Cards last year but are yet to receive them can visit its district and regional offices from Wednesday, April 5 for them.
Op-ed
The future of commercial drone delivery in global and local supply chains
Commercial drone revenue is on track to outpace that of military drones by 2025.
Regulatory and safety concerns have slowed rollout in developed markets
Companies are testing their fleets by delivering essential supplies in emerging markets
Digital governance
News updates
Parliament rejects EC’s CI seeking to make Ghana Card sole document for voter registration
Parliament on Friday, 31st March 2023, has by unanimous decision, rejected the Electoral Commission’s (EC) Constitutional Instrument (CI), that sought to make the Ghana card sole registration document for voting.
MTN honors 25 million dollars commitment to create jobs for the youth
MTN Ghana has held a digital sod cutting event to announce the construction of the Ghana ICT Hub project. The initiative falls in line with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy which is focused on leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress and its commitment towards supporting the Digital Ghana Agenda.
Africa should focus on digital economy and innovation – Kamala Harris
The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, has urged African countries to prioritise digital economy and innovation in order to transform their economies.
Stakeholders call on government to enforce competition law
Stakeholders in the business fraternity are advocating for the speedy passage of a Competition Law to guide business operations in the country.
Veep unveils GRA’s E-Tax Compliance Certificate to facilitate revenue mobilisation
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia Thursday launched three initiatives of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), including the Electronic Tax Compliance Certificate (E-TCC), to promote tax payment and increase domestic revenue mobilisation. The other initiatives are the Tax Compliance Short Code *880#, and Online Tax Returns Filing
Op-ed
In May 2022, the government in Ghana introduced a deeply unpopular tax on mobile money transactions, known as the e-levy. When it was introduced, the levy was structured as a 1.5% charge on all electronic and mobile money transactions over 100 cedis (GC) per day.
Digital finance
News updates
e-Cedi launch delay due to economic challenges – BoG
Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr. Ernest Addison says significant progress has been made in development of the e-Cedi, the country’s digital currency. The digital currency is vital in the country’s plan to expand financial inclusion and enhance digitalisation.
Spotify announces multi-year investment for emerging artists through its Creator Equity Fund
Global streaming platform Spotify today announced a donation to Vibrate Space, a non-profit organisation helping young Ghanaian music entrepreneurs with the tools and skills they need to thrive in the industry, from its Creator Equity Fund to support emerging artists in Ghana.
Ecobank Ghana signs MoU with GhanaPost
ECOBANK Ghana and GhanaPost have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen financial inclusion and bring banking services to many more Ghanaians and drive government agenda.
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
Eleven SMEs graduate from EU-funded GrEEn Acceleration Programme
Some eleven Ghanaian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have graduated as the third and fourth cohort of the European Union’s (EU) GrEEn Acceleration Programme.
Quick Angels supports 10 entrepreneurs with ¢25,000 each
The Chief Executive Officer of Quick Angels, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, has donated ¢25,000 each to 10 entrepreneurs as seed capital to transform their businesses.
KIC, Mastercard Foundation announce winners of AgriTech Challenge Pro
The winners of the 2022/2023 Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) AgriTech Challenge Pro were announced in a final pitch competition held in Accra on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Global Evangelical Church, Teshie launches Business Incubation Programme
The Global Evangelical Church (GEC) Victory Chapel, Teshie, has launched a Business Incubator Programme to assist young professionals in the Church turn ideas into viable ventures.
Digital talents
News updates
Tony Blair Institute, Ministry of Communications launch ‘DigSMART’ for public sector workers
DigSMART project (or “Digital Smartness”) aims to build digital skills, culture and leadership within the public sector to determine a more cohesive and accelerated digital transformation, for service delivery.
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