2nd Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable concludes with a call for gov't, telecom companies to enhance research initiatives

The 2nd edition of the Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable concluded on a powerful note in Accra, Ghana, as experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders gathered to address pressing issues of digital and financial inclusion in the country.

The event which was held on Friday 8^th November at the Accra Digital Center, was hosted by the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet), this annual event has quickly become a premier platform for advancing digital inclusion across Ghana and the West African region.

This year's event focused on the urgent need to close the digital divide, particularly in rural Ghana, where large segments of the population remain unconnected and financially underserved. Statistics reveal that, a significant urban-rural divide exists, with rural communities experiencing limited access to digital and financial services. As of early 2024, Ghana had approximately 24.06 million internet users, achieving a penetration rate of 69.8% of the population. While this statistic is encouraging, it also reveals that around 30.2% of the population remains excluded from internet access. Given Ghana's population of roughly 34.5 million, this means that approximately 10.4 million Ghanaians still lack internet access. The disparity is even more pronounced in rural areas, where internet awareness and accessibility are significantly lower. A survey showed that while 51.6% of urban residents were aware of the internet, only 27.4% in rural communities had similar awareness. Moreover, mobile phone compatibility further limits access; 67% of mobile phones in rural areas are not internet-compatible, compared to 43% in urban areas. This digital divide underscores the need for targeted interventions by the government and telecom companies to ensure equitable access to digital resources and reduce exclusion, particularly in underserved rural regions.

Peterking Quaye, Executive Director of WAICTANet, emphasized the importance of Ghana’s progress in digital inclusion while calling for intensified efforts to bridge the remaining gaps. "We have seen significant strides in Ghana’s digital landscape, especially with the introduction of mobile money and recent advancements in technology infrastructure. However, we must recognize that millions in rural Ghana are still excluded from these services. It is essential for all stakeholders – government, telecommunication companies, financial institutions, and civil society – to collaborate and develop policies that truly benefit every Ghanaian,” Quaye stated.

The roundtable featured a keynote address from Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi, a globally recognized cybersecurity and artificial intelligence expert. Professor Quist-Aphetsi issued a call to action to telecommunications companies, urging them to invest more in research and innovation to develop products and services that are better suited to the unique needs of rural Ghana. "Telecommunication companies must take the lead in researching and understanding the diverse needs of rural communities. By developing tailored solutions, we can close the gap of digital exclusion and bring the benefits of the digital economy to every corner of the country," he asserted.

Professor Quist-Aphetsi pointed out that while Ghana has made progress, there is still much work to be done to address the unique challenges faced by rural and underserved populations. He suggested that telecom companies, through extensive research, could identify barriers that limit rural users from accessing the internet and financial services. He also called on the government to implement policies that promote digital literacy and infrastructure expansion to these areas.

The event underscored the urgent need for Ghana to continue its efforts in bridging the digital divide, aligning with global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which emphasizes building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Internet Society Ghana , E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA),Ghana Cybersecurity Expert Association were partners for this year’s edition.

Quaye also highlighted the growing interest and commitment from stakeholders across West Africa in supporting digital and financial inclusion. “We are witnessing an increasing number of stakeholders willing to contribute to this cause, not only in Ghana but across West Africa. This is promising, as it shows a strong regional movement towards a more inclusive digital future,” he said.

As the event concluded, participants agreed on the importance of ongoing collaboration, policy support, and innovative solutions to make digital and financial inclusion a reality for all Ghanaians. The final report of the roundtable, containing key findings and recommendations, will be published soon, serving as a valuable resource for policymakers and other stakeholders.

The Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable has established itself as a vital platform for driving progress and fostering partnerships in the digital and financial inclusion space. With the continued commitment of all stakeholders, there is hope that digital and financial inclusion will become more accessible to all, bridging the urban-rural divide and ensuring equal access to the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Source: West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet)