The growing digital and artificial intelligence (AI) divide across Africa has renewed calls for bolder reforms, stronger partnerships, and a sharper focus on affordability.
The continent’s ability to harness AI’s transformative power will depend on how effectively countries bridge the gap between digital access and actual usage.
Reflecting on the just-ended Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, said, “Africa has made significant progress in connectivity, but our biggest challenge today is utilisation,” she said. ‘
“Networks are expanding, but people are not using them enough because the cost of devices and data remains too high.”
Africa’s AI moment and Ghana’s place in it
Attending the Africa Tech Festival for the first time, Owusu-Ankomah described the experience as an “eye-opener,” noting that the conversations around broadband expansion, data policy, and AI deployment underscored both the opportunities and the urgent work ahead for Ghana and the continent.
“This festival has been a quick learning curve — a deep dive into how technology, telecommunications, and policy are evolving globally,” she explained.
“It’s been inspiring to see different countries represented under one platform, sharing their experiences on broadband and AI policies.
“Ghana has always led many broadband initiatives on the continent, but this event reinforces the need for us to step up our efforts to shape our technology landscape for growth and transformation.”
She said Ghana’s role as a “gateway to Africa” comes with responsibility: to lead with innovation, align regulatory frameworks with global best practices, and ensure that digital transformation benefits all citizens.
AI and financial inclusion
Owusu-Ankomah emphasised that AI is already reshaping key sectors such as health, education, governance, and digital payments.
She cited the festival’s policy sessions, which featured leaders including the African Union Ambassador for Digital, the Estonian Deputy Minister, and Absa’s Strategic Director for Africa, as particularly thought-provoking.
“A recurring theme was Africa’s dependence on Western payment platforms such as SWIFT,” she noted.
“The lack of cross-border interoperability in our payment systems limits the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
She argued that Africa’s mobile network operators — who already have extensive reach across the continent — should drive the creation of homegrown payment interoperability systems.
“Wherever there is digital transformation and strong connectivity, financial inclusion follows,” she said.
“Our operators must take the lead in developing integrated payment platforms that serve African markets on African terms.”
Affordability: The missing link in digital uptake
While acknowledging Ghana’s impressive network coverage — which exceeds 90% of the population — Owusu-Ankomah warned that the real challenge now lies in affordability.
“Ghana’s connectivity index has improved significantly, but many Ghanaians still struggle to afford the cost of data and devices,” she said.
“Policy must now focus on making connectivity and devices more affordable for everyone.”
She revealed that discussions with the GSMA at the festival highlighted a troubling trend: despite meeting coverage targets, Africa’s usage gap remains wide.
“We are expanding networks, but people cannot afford to use them,” she said.
“In Ghana, for instance, the minimum wage is less than GH₵21.77 per day. With most smartphones priced above GH₵1,000, they are simply out of reach for many people, especially in rural communities.”
Owusu-Ankomah said this issue must be addressed through targeted fiscal policies and incentives.
“One effective approach would be to zero-rate import taxes on low-end smartphones,” she proposed.
“The more people gain access to affordable devices, the faster we can increase digital adoption and participation in the knowledge economy.”
She commended the government’s decision to abolish the E-Levy, describing it as a “step in the right direction,” but called for broader sector-specific tax reforms to support growth.
“Reducing the tax burden on telecom operators and devices is essential,” she said.
“If we make connectivity affordable, we will unlock Ghana’s next phase of digital inclusion.”
Operators’ role in Ghana’s digital future
As the head of Ghana’s telecom industry body, Owusu-Ankomah said members of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications — including MTN, Telecel, ATC, Helios, Huawei, and C-Squared — have a “critical role to play” in shaping Ghana’s next phase of digital transformation.
“Operators are leapfrogging through technology, affordable service provision, and strategic partnerships that unlock innovation,” she noted.
“Artificial intelligence can only thrive when the right infrastructure is in place — and that’s where operators and infrastructure companies must continue to collaborate.”
She said these partnerships are essential to building Ghana’s digital backbone, enabling new services in e-health, e-governance, and education.
“If we truly believe digital transformation is the next frontier for national development, then we must make the right investments, policy decisions, and legislative reforms,” she said.
Policy, legislation, and fibre protection
Owusu-Ankomah urged the government to take a deliberate and inclusive approach to telecommunications policy review, currently underway under the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation.
“This process should not be rushed,” she cautioned. “Stakeholder feedback must be taken seriously because the outcome will define the next five years of Ghana’s digital future.”
She commended Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation for his “bold commitments” to address persistent industry challenges, especially the issue of fibre cuts that have plagued operators for years.
“The approval of the ‘Dig Once’ policy by Cabinet under President John Mahama is a major milestone,” she said.
“This policy ensures that all new roads incorporate fibre ducts — protecting infrastructure and ensuring stable digital services across the country.”
Owusu-Ankomah said the Chamber has long advocated for the Dig Once framework and is eager to see its full enforcement.
“We are very encouraged by the Minister’s commitment to open up the policy-making process for co-creation,” she added.
“Ultimately, all these efforts should ensure that the citizen — the end user—becomes the main beneficiary of improved, reliable, and affordable digital services.”
A call for collaborative action
Owusu-Ankomah concluded by emphasising that collaboration between government, industry, and development partners is essential to realising Ghana’s digital ambitions.
“There is a great opportunity ahead if we co-create policies that shape Ghana’s digital future together,” she said.
“If we align our efforts — from affordability to infrastructure to policy — Ghana can truly become the digital gateway to Africa.”
Setting the agenda for inclusive growth
The 28th edition of the Africa Tech Festival — held from November 11 to 13, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre — remains the continent’s premier gathering for technology, telecommunications, and innovation.
This year’s festival drew over 15,000 participants, 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers from across the world, uniting under four flagship programs: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town.
The 2025 theme, “Responsible and Inclusive Growth,” explored how connectivity, AI, entrepreneurship, and public policy are driving Africa’s digital transformation — a mission that, according to Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, Ghana must lead from the front.
CREDIT: MTN Ghana sponsored our Editor, Elvis Darko, to the Africa Tech Festival
