Ghana Chamber Of Technology, GIZ Sign MoU To Build Digital Ecosystem
The Ghana Chamber of Technology and the German Agency for International Cooperation and Development (GIZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to undertake digital projects, including research and advocacy, to build a digital ecosystem for the accelerated development of the country.
As part of the agreement, there will be capacity building for industry players, learning and knowledge exchange workshops with other African information and communications technology (ICT) chambers and compliance training.
The MoU was signed under the GIZ digital transformation centre (DTC) in Ghana, an initiative that forms part of a Pan-African network of flagship projects by the agency to support the transformation process of the African continent.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Technology, Dr Augustina Odame, signed on behalf of the chamber, while the Head of the Network for Inclusive Economic Development (NIED) cluster at GIZ, Mr Gerald Guskowski, signed for the agency in Accra yesterday.
Digital transformation
Mr Guskowski said over the last decade, digital transformation had taken an enormous push in Ghana, leading to high penetration of mobile money and increased digital payment systems which were driving financial inclusion.
“Ghana has proven that digital transformation is not just a trend; it is bringing meaningful change to society and the economy,” he said.
According to Mr Guskowski, opportunities created by the country’s digitisation drive informed the establishment of the DTC to provide support for the digital transformation agenda in the country.
He said the DTC would support existing projects and initiatives in the ecosystem, as opposed to starting new and isolated activities.
“The DTC’s approach to work includes building strong partnerships with the private sector, a good collaboration with stakeholders, such as academia, civil society and other innovative approaches,” Mr Guskowski said.
He said his outfit was a great partner of the chamber, whose objectives were aligned to the DTC, adding that the agreement would also support Ghana’s vision of becoming the hub of digitisation in West Africa.
Appreciation
For her part, Dr Odame, who expressed appreciation to GIZ for the support, said the ICT sector contributed immensely to the country’s economy and that “as a chamber, we have vested interest in seeing this immense potential come to its full realisation”.
She said the chamber would continue to leverage strategic partnerships and engagement with identified key stakeholders and the wider global community to cultivate a robust digital system in the country.
“The Chamber believes in leveraging technology to deliver solutions that benefit all and is committed to better equipping and supporting members to be more inclusive in their design and delivery of technology solutions.
“We look forward to working with the DTC on these established common areas of interest to build a strong digital ecosystem that supports technology,” Dr Odame added.
