Trotro and taxis will soon accept digital tap-and-pay payments in Ghana.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: Momo agents threaten strike, Treepz relaunches app, Bolt Outternship launched, Telcos want to pay less for power ... and more
Accra Digital Digest No. #001101
Date: May 1 - May 7, 2023
Dear Friends,
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
Ghana Telecoms Chamber makes case for cheaper electricity tariff for telecom firms
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications is making a strong case for cheaper power to telecommunication services in the country. The chamber says it has noted with grave concern, more expensive access to power by telecom firms – a situation that is causing the industry’s huge operating cost.
Gov't to roll regular taxis onto ride-hailing app to compete with Uber, Bolt, others - Bawumia
Traditional taxi cabs in Ghana will soon have the opportunity to migrate onto a ride-hailing application specially designed for them so as to compete with Uber and other platforms, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has announced.
MoMo Fraud Fight: MTN on course with AI infrastructure
Head of Products and Services at MobileMoney Limited (MTN MoMo), Sylvia Otuo-Acheampong has said that MTN Ghana is well on course with building the US$2.5 million artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure it promised in 2020 to fight mobile money fraud.
Digital governance
News updates
We need a unified data to monitor the progress of financial inclusion – BoG
The Bank of Ghana is asking for a more comprehensive and consistent data by stakeholders in the financial technology space to aid in monitoring the progress of financial inclusion This, according to the Central Bank, is essential to help measure gaps in financial inclusion and design appropriate evidence-based interventions, and monitor their implementation and effectiveness.
We have enhanced supervision, measures to protect investment – SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Ghana has assured potential investors to remain confident following the outfit’s upgraded measures including embarking on education campaigns to enable investors to make informed decisions.
NCA is under no legal obligation to verify SIM Registration biodata with NIA database – Official
Director of Consumer and Corporate Affairs at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Nana Defie Badu has said that the NCA is under no legal obligation to verify the biodata it collects during the ongoing SIM registration against the database of the National Identification Authority (NIA).
CSA, GAB to collaborate on licencing and accreditation regulations
Following the commencement of licensing of Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) and the accreditation of Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) on March 1, 2023, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has met the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) to dialogue on opportunities and agree on issues relating to the licensing and accreditation regulations.
Digital finance
News updates
GVCA calls for implementation of Limited Partnership Act
The Ghana Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (GVCA) has called for the implementation of the Limited Partnership Act to support the development of the private equity and venture capital industry which is currently limited under the companies Act.
Commercial banks urged to establish impact investment fund post DDEP
A private equity and international business consultant, Dr Richmond Odartey Lamptey, has urged commercial banks to establish impact investment funds post Ghana’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme
Momo agents threaten industrial action over commission challenges
The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana (MMAAG) has threatened to embark on an industrial action over challenges in commission payments for its operators.
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
Solar Taxi shortlisted for Qualcomm Make in Africa mentorship
Electric vehicle assembly firm, Solar Taxi Limited has been shortlisted for the inaugural Qualcomm mentorship programme. The Ghanaian-based firm is amongst a number of startups in Africa to be recognised by the global American multinational corporation, Qualcomm Technologies
Ghana’s Afritech Hub Joins AfriLabs’s Pan-Afrikan Hub Network
AfriLabs has announced the admission of 19 new members to its community. With the addition of these new members, AfriLabs now has a total of 419 members in 52 African countries, including access to two new cities: Sousse in Tunisia and Baidoa in Somalia.
Treepz Relaunches Consumer App; Repositions As Africa’s Largest Car-Sharing Marketplace
Treepz, the leading African mobility company, has re-launched its consumer-facing app as a new innovation in Africa.
Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative – Applications open for mentors
Ghana’s largest privately owned indigenous bank, Fidelity Bank, has opened applications for mentors as part of its youth entrepreneurship support program dubbed the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Mentorship Programme (FYEMP
Germany trains 74 SMEs for improved performance
About 74 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country have benefited from a training programme meant to improve on their competitiveness, including workplace practices. The training programme enhanced the capacity of the participating SMEs under an initiative dubbed: “Sustaining competitive and responsible enterprises (SCORE)”
Digital talents
News updates
UPSA organises technology trends, awareness on Artificial intelligence
Ghanaian have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and leverage its strengths for improvement in various aspects of their lives, instead of fearing it.
Bolt’s #WomenInTech Internship Program launched for the 3rd consecutive year in Ghana
Bolt, the leading on-demand transport platform in Africa, has today announced the rollout of its #WomeninTech internship program for the third year running in Ghana. This year’s internship program, dubbed “The Bolt Outternship” is aimed at empowering young women by providing opportunities to start their careers in tech, and is set to run for three months from June, 2023.
Grants of up to $250,000 USD for eligible organizations in Ghana will support Internet knowledge and skills, increasing economic inclusion and educational opportunities
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