Tech Art and Soul Podcast Launched!
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: BoG's digital and virtual assets, Starlink cautions users in Ghana, Fido raise $10M, Dairo steps down, MEST invests in 3 EITs and more ...
Digital Digest No. #1001000.
Date: August 12 - August 18 2024
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
Bank of Ghana Releases Draft Guidelines for Digital and Virtual Assets
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) has released a draft of guidelines for digital assets in the country. The draft follows the BOG’s review of the surging popularity of digital assets like cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Tether (USDT) in Ghana.
Ghana Generates GHC 810 Million From E-Levy For First Half of 2024
According to data from Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, Ghana generated GHC 810 Millionfrom its electronic levy (E-Levy) for the first half of 2024. The E-Levy is slightly on pace to generate more revenue in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2023, the E-Levy generated GHC 1.19 Billion.
Digital infrastructure and platforms
News updates
Starlink To Disconnect Ghana Users Accessing Its Mobile Plans On August 21st
Starlink, the popular internet satellite company, has sent out messages to users in jurisdictions where Starlink is not authorised including Ghana, that it will disconnect users on its mobile plans on August 21st.
Elephant in the room: Government’s Valueless Golden Shares in Telecel and AT Ghana – Part 1
This article is not about NPP or NDC government. It is about the Government of Ghana as a continuum and how the actions and inactions of policymakers and their implementing agencies have created the current status quo we have in the telecoms industry.
MTN Has 29 Million Registered SIM Cards in Ghana
According to data from Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA), MTN Ghana has 29.87 million registered SIM cards with a total of 39.9 million total SIM cards registered in the country.
Inveteck Global sweeps two awards at National Business Honours
Inveteck Global, a leading cybersecurity training provider in Ghana and across Africa, has been crowned the Innovation in Cybersecurity Training Company of the Year at the fourth annual National Business Honours.
Digital finance
News updates
Fido secures $10 million from FMO as part of its Series B funding round
Fido, the digital lender based in Ghana and Uganda, has secured $10 million in equity from FMO’s MASSIF Fund as part of its Series B capital raise. MASSIF is FMO’s financial inclusion fund that supports intermediaries that reach out to MSMEs disproportionately affected by a lack of access to financial services
eTranzact Ghana appoints Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso as Board Chair
Rev. Prof. Frimpong-Manso brings on board over 40 years of distinguished leadership and executive experience to this new role, having served on numerous boards both in the public and private sectors.
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
Ecobank Group Announces the Top Finalists for the 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge
Ecobank, the pan-African Bank, has announced the top finalists for the first-ever and inaugural 2024 Ecobank Fintech Challenge Hybrid Semi-Final event held at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
MEST Africa backs 3 new startups from the 2024 Entrepreneurs-in-Training cohort.
MEST Africa, one of the pre-eminent technology incubators on the continent, has invested in 3 news startups. The latest portfolio additions from MEST Africa’s last Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EIT) programme are the result of 1,000+ applications and represent a diverse mix of teams working on various verticals and technologies..
10 agriventures secure $100,000 as finalists of the Tullow AgriVentures Programme.
The Tullow AgriVentures Programme (TAP) has awarded ten promising small and growing agribusinesses $10,000 each to expand their businesses. The program being implemented by Innohub identifies and supports entrepreneurs in setting up and growing their businesses. TAP aims to generate approximately 600 new agriculturally linked ventures and support 30 existing businesses to grow and create more than 1,500 jobs.
Digital talents
News updates
Tech, Art & Soul Podcast launched
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 TAS podcast is partnership between Node Eight, Ernest Armah, CW Studios and Goethe Institute and its available as video on Youtube, Available as audio on Spotify, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Apple Podcast, and Pocket Casts.
Dario Bianchi, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, is Leaving After 5 Years
Dario Bianchi, MTN Ghana’s Chief Digital Officer in a LinkedIn post, announced that he is stepping down from the company. In the post, he stated he would taking a few weeks off before starting a new journey in September.
AIDEC Chairman Ambrose Yennah awarded for visionary Leadership in Ghana’s Tech Sector
The Founder and Executive Chairman of AIDEC Group of Companies, Ambrose Yennah, has been adjudged as the ‘Ghana CEO Personality of the Year for Private Sector’ at this year’s Ghana CEOs Awards held over the weekend at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra.
Use AI to enhance your reportage -Information Minister to Journalists
The Minister for Information, Mrs Fatimatu Abubakar, has called on journalists to prioritise accurate and factual reporting as they incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their work. She noted that while AI can enhance journalistic activities, it must not compromise the integrity of news reporting.
GHANA TECH ECOSYSTEM SURVEY
Code and Cocktails Africa recently launched a survey to map out the Ghana Tech Ecosystem with a focus on tech professionals. The survey covers demographics, tools, working conditions, and remuneration.
The survey focuses on 3 areas;
1. Engineering
2. Product
3. Sales & Marketing
Kindly take some 5 minutes of your time to complete the survey if work in the 3 areas fore mentioned. Tap here. Thanks!
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Cheers! 🍻