Ghana to create 9m digital jobs to rake in $4bn by 2030

In a transformative shift that promises to redefine the nation’s economic landscape, a recent study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has revealed that Ghana is set to offer nine million digital jobs by 2030.
This digital revolution is expected to generate nearly $4 billion in revenue, underscoring the critical role of technology in shaping the country’s future.
The study, endorsed by Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice-President for the Middle East and Africa, identifies Ghana as a burgeoning hub for digital opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

20m training opportunities
It projects that these nine million jobs will create 20 million training opportunities, catalyzing a new wave of education and workforce development.
This shift highlights the country’s potential to position itself as a leader in the region’s digital economy.
The IFC report delineates two primary revenue streams.

$320m revenue from business-to-consumer market
First, the business-to-consumer (B2C) market is set to benefit approximately 700,000 individuals, translating into $320 million in revenue.

Serving 18m people to generate $4 billion
Second, the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) sectors are poised to serve around 18 million people, unlocking a staggering $4 billion in revenue by the decade’s end.
On a broader scale, Sub-Saharan Africa will see 230 million jobs requiring digital skills by 2030, necessitating 650 million training opportunities.

$130bn market for digital skills training
This underscores a $130 billion market for digital skills training across the region, with Ghana’s share representing a vital $4 billion slice.

Skills essential for Ghana’s digital transformation
For Ghana to harness this monumental opportunity, it is imperative to address the skills gap.
The report emphasizes that the digital economy demands a diverse set of capabilities across various sectors.
The foundational level includes basic and intermediate skills necessary for roles in automated manufacturing and digitalized service industries.
These skills are accessible through short courses lasting three to twelve months, designed for practical, job-oriented learning.
At the advanced level, Ghana requires highly skilled professionals, including programmers, data analysts, and engineers, to drive innovation and manage complex technological systems.
Institutions such as Ashesi University and Lancaster University have already pioneered such programs, serving as benchmarks for educational excellence.
Beyond technical proficiencies, socio-behavioral skills—such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork—are vital.
As technology transforms workplaces, the ability to collaborate and adapt to rapidly changing environments will determine employability and success.
Bridging the digital skills gap
Despite these opportunities, Ghana faces significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for digital skills.
The report reveals a glaring gap in the availability of intermediate and advanced skills, which could stymie economic progress.
If this gap persists, companies may increasingly turn to international talent, undermining the potential of Ghana’s workforce.
While the government has integrated information and communication technology (ICT) into education, these efforts are insufficient to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The education system must pivot to focus on practical, market-aligned training to ensure graduates are equipped for the evolving job market.

Economic implications and growth potential
The rise of digital jobs in Ghana aligns with broader global trends. Technology is not only reshaping industries but also driving economic growth through automation and increased efficiency.
In Ghana, key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services are undergoing rapid digitization, creating new markets and enhancing productivity.
This digital transformation also contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, decent work, and economic growth.
By investing in digital skills, Ghana is building a resilient, inclusive economy capable of competing on the global stage.
The role of education providers
Education providers, both for-profit and nonprofit, have a pivotal role to play.
By expanding their offerings to include digital skills training, they can meet market demand and enhance graduate employability. Partnerships with technology companies can further enrich these programs, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
Programs should be tailored to different needs, ranging from basic skills for large-scale workforces to specialized training for advanced roles.
Institutions like Ashesi University exemplify how innovative approaches can address these diverse demands.

A call to action
The IFC report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, educators, and businesses.
To capitalize on this digital opportunity, Ghana must prioritize investments in human capital, reform education systems, and foster collaborations between the public and private sectors.
As the digital economy continues to expand, Ghana’s ability to adapt and equip its workforce will determine its place in the global market.
The creation of nine million jobs and the potential for $4 billion in revenue are not just economic goals; they are a testament to the transformative power of technology and the resilience of the Ghanaian spirit.
This is not merely an economic opportunity but a defining moment for the nation—a chance to shape a future where technology and human capital drive inclusive, sustainable growth.

By ELVIS DARKO, Accra