Samuel Nartey George urges African nations to develop homegrown digital tools

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on African nations to prioritise the development of homegrown digital technologies to reduce the continent's dependency on foreign solutions. Speaking at the Digital Economy Live 2026 event held in Accra, the Minister emphasised that for Africa to achieve true digital sovereignty, it must invest in tools specifically designed to address local challenges and enhance the lives of its citizens. He argued that technology is most effective when it solves real-world problems inherent to the African context.

Mr. George highlighted Ghana’s own achievements as a potential model for the region, citing the success of mobile money interoperability and the implementation of a national digital identity system. These initiatives, he noted, have laid the groundwork for Ghana to emerge as a regional hub for technological innovation. He urged local developers to be empowered to create sustainable alternatives rather than relying on imported systems that may not always align with African socio-economic realities.

To support this shift toward local innovation, the Minister announced that his Ministry is currently reviewing existing regulatory frameworks. The objective is to ensure that Ghana's laws and guidelines can keep pace with rapid technological advancements while fostering an environment conducive to a sustainable digital economy. By updating these frameworks, the government aims to encourage investment in local startups and protect the interests of both developers and consumers in the evolving digital landscape.

The Minister's remarks come at a time when digital transformation is accelerating across the continent. By advocating for a unified African approach to technological self-reliance, Mr. George underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts between governments and the private sector. The drive for homegrown solutions is expected to not only boost local economies but also ensure that the benefits of the digital age are more equitably distributed across African communities.