A new GSMA report, Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Ghana, projects that Ghana could inject an additional $3.4 billion into its economy by 2030 by fast-tracking digital reforms.
Released this week in Accra, the report positions Ghana as a potential digital powerhouse in West Africa, with mobile connectivity and strategic policy changes poised to drive growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and public services.
The report highlights that the mobile industry already contributes 8% of Ghana’s GDP (GHS 94 billion), but a 62% mobile usage gap persists despite near-universal 4G coverage. Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA, noted that affordability barriers keep millions offline, limiting economic potential.
“By addressing policy barriers like spectrum allocation and device affordability, Ghana can connect millions more and become West Africa’s premier digital hub,” she said. “The mobile industry is ready to partner with the government to make this transformation a reality.”
The report outlines sector-specific opportunities. In agriculture, digital platforms for market access and precision farming could create 190,000 new jobs and increase yields by up to 20%. Manufacturing, particularly in cocoa and gold processing, could gain $1.43 billion (GHS 15 billion) through IoT and AI adoption. Enhanced e-services in government could generate $490 million (GHS 5.8 billion) in tax revenue by improving efficiency and reducing leakages.
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Despite progress, challenges remain. Smartphones cost 76% of monthly GDP per capita for Ghana’s poorest citizens, a significant barrier to adoption. While the recent removal of the e-levy has been welcomed, the GSMA urges public-private partnerships for device financing and a clear 5G spectrum roadmap to sustain momentum.
The report projects that bridging the digital divide could increase mobile internet users from 13.1 million to 20.6 million by 2029, securing Ghana’s role in Africa’s digital future. “These reforms are critical to unlocking a prosperous digital economy,” Wamola emphasized.
