NITA's Power Move: Unleashing a Duo of Legislative Instruments to Govern the Digital Economy in Ghana.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: A-G commits to safeguarding IP, NITA makes bold move to regulate tech, Widu Africa supports 15 entrepreneurs, Internet governance forum held and more...
Accra Digital Digest No. #010110
Date: July 3 - July 9, 2023
Dear Friends,
We are hope this month is “giving” in tech. Here are the most important news, perspectives, analysis, and insights about Ghanaian digital ecosystem last week.
Digital infrastructure & platforms
News updates
Ghana And Cote d’Ivoire commence bilateral ‘Free’ Roaming Services.
The National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana and its Ivorian counterpart, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Cote d’Ivoire (ARTCI) have launched bilateral roaming services between the two countries.
This milestone is in fulfilment of the recommendation at the 18th Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers in Charge of Telecommunications, ICT, Digitalization and Post, which required member states that have met all prerequisite conditions to proceed with the ECOWAS Roaming implementation on a reciprocity basis.
Op-ed
From delivery company to Ghana’s first super App: The Journey of ShaQ Express
Once a traditional delivery company, ShaQ Express has evolved dramatically over the past three years and has seamlessly incorporated several services to become not just an Internet-based application (App), but Ghana’s first Super App.
Digital governance
News updates
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA), is holding a brainstorming ICT stakeholder conference to review the draft content of two Legislative Instruments (LIs) for the NITA Act, 2008 (Act 771) and the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772).
Govt committed to protecting intellectual property — A-G
The Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has said that the government is committed to protecting the intellectual property (IP) of individuals and corporations.
He has, therefore, assured investors and businesses operating in the country that their IPs would be fully protected in accordance with international laws and the robust legal regime of the country.
Digital economy requires standards, rules of engagement — Ursula
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has stated that developing the country's digital economy requires standardised rules of engagement and competition.
Therefore, she said the proposed Legislative Instrument for the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Act, Act 771 and the Electronic Transactions Act, Act 772 is key to strengthening the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem.
Digital finance
News updates
Access Bank partners with Uber to offer Ghanaians affordable convenience
Access Bank has partnered with Uber to offer Ghanaians affordable mobility convenience in line with its promise of providing more than banking services to customers.
Under the partnership, Uber users will enjoy a 30% discount on every ride when they use their Access Bank debit and credit cards to pay. Customers must link their cards to the Uber app as a payment option to pay for their rides and enter a promo code ‘AccessRideSavings’, to enjoy the discount.
Op-ed
Digitalization beyond Fintech – The DUKA Factor
One name stood out among the lot at last year’s Ghana Information Technology and Telecom Awards (GITTA 2022) when it comes to digitalization that ensure organizational efficiency to the core. That name is DUKA.
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
MTN to prepare Ghanaian SMEs for AfCFTA opportunities, risks
MTN Ghana has launched its SME Month for this year with an assurance to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs in the country with the requisite tools and skills to take full advantage of the opportunities the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents.
WIDU.Africa, GIZ support 15 entrepreneurs
WIDU.Africa has in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) awarded 15 Ghanaian entrepreneurs for growing sustainable businesses and creating employment opportunities.
Moove gets $8 million Absa funding for Ghana expansion
Moove, the world’s first mobility fintech, has secured US$8 million in financing from Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), bringing its total funding to-date from the bank to USD $28mn.
The new funding will play a crucial role in bolstering Moove’s expanding vehicle fleet in Ghana, further fuelling its mission to democratize vehicle ownership and provide employment opportunities within its operating economies worldwide.
Digital talents
News updates
Amalitech Ghana invites women for the Tech-her-story summit.
Amalitech Ghana is hosting the 2023 Women in Tech summit, themed "Tech Herstory: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Tech." This event brings together successful women in various tech fields to share their experiences and inspire aspiring female technologists. Women from across Ghana are invited to attend, gaining access to a diverse audience of industry professionals and educators. The summit offers valuable networking opportunities, insights into the tech industry, and resources to thrive in technology careers. Don't miss out on this transformative event that celebrates and empowers women in tech, shaping the future of the industry.
The registration link is as follows: https://forms.gle/kooiaRtpHbHM8NsX7. Participants can register to attend virtually or in person.Empowering Ghana's Digital Future: 2023 Internet Governance Forum and IGF School
The 2023 Ghana Internet Governance Forum, under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Digitization, will focus on building an inclusive and safer Internet in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Graduate employability requires collaboration – Prof. Kaufmann
The Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, has charged industry and academia to collaborate to train the next generation of workers to equip them with the necessary skills needed for today’s challenging economic world.
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