Dr. Bawumia showcases Ghana’s digital transformation at Harvard

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice-President of Ghana, captivated an audience at Harvard University as he detailed Ghana’s remarkable strides in digital transformation.
Addressing students, faculty, and policy experts at the prestigious African Development Conference, he outlined how Ghana has strategically leveraged digitalisation to modernise its economy, improve public service delivery, and create employment opportunities.

A vision for a tech-driven future
“Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberateness, leadership, and investment to create the ecosystems where innovations and innovators thrive,” Dr. Bawumia asserted, emphasising the importance of embracing technology for economic progress.
He highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in positioning Ghana as a leader in this arena.

Revolutionising national identity and infrastructure
At the heart of his speech was Ghana’s adoption of the Ghana Card, a biometric national ID system that has provided over 85% of adults with unique identities, thereby streamlining financial inclusion, taxation, and access to government services.
Equally groundbreaking is the digital property address system, which has mapped every square inch of the country and solved a decades-old problem.
“A modern economy simply cannot function without a reliable address system,” he stated, underscoring the efficiency gains these innovations have brought to both governance and business.

Transforming financial and healthcare sectors
Dr. Bawumia also spoke extensively on Ghana’s leadership in digital payments, particularly through the implementation of Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI), which has transformed financial transactions.
He noted that the initiative has enabled over 90% of the adult population to access financial services, making Ghana the only African country with universal financial inclusion.
“Ghana is at the cutting edge of digital payments technology,” he proudly declared, citing the country’s recognition as the best in the world for mobile money regulation.
This digital advancement has facilitated e-commerce growth and empowered small businesses, particularly those operating online.

Another highlight of his address was the digitisation of the health sector, which has streamlined medical records and improved service delivery.
He described how drone technology, implemented through a partnership with Zipline, has revolutionised emergency medical supply deliveries to remote areas, saving countless lives.
“Ghana now has the largest medical drone delivery service in the world,” he revealed, highlighting the significant impact of innovative solutions on longstanding healthcare challenges.

Envisioning a brighter tomorrow
Dr. Bawumia further pointed to digitalisation efforts in agriculture, where the introduction of a biometric farmer database has enhanced planning, transparency, and financial access for farmers.
In his closing remarks, he championed Africa’s potential to lead in the digital revolution, urging policymakers to adopt a mindset of possibilities.
“Digitalisation is not merely a luxury but a necessity for survival and prosperity in the 21st century,” he said.
“By working together—governments, businesses, educators, and innovators—we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.”
His compelling presentation received a standing ovation, cementing Ghana’s reputation as a leader in digital transformation on the African continent.