Ghana Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in ghana, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Strategic Technologies
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The development and adoption of strategic technologies in Ghana is increasingly becoming a focal point for the nation’s growth and modernization. Several sectors are benefiting from technological advancements, especially in areas such as ICT, agriculture, energy, and healthcare. Ghana’s government — through various policies and initiatives — as well as private-sector players are driving technological innovation, with a focus on both improving domestic infrastructure and positioning the country as a regional tech leader in West Africa.

Key Areas of Technological Development in Ghana

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Digital Infrastructure Expansion: Ghana has made strides in expanding its digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity, internet access, and mobile networks. The government’s “Ghana Digital Transformation Agenda” aims to use digital technologies to enhance government services, economic growth, and social development.

Mobile Technology: Ghana is known for high mobile phone penetration and mobile banking systems like MTN Mobile Money and Vodafone Cash. The rise of mobile money has transformed financial inclusion, especially in rural areas.

Tech Startups: Ghana has a vibrant tech startup ecosystem, particularly in Accra. Startups like MPharma (healthcare) and Slydepay (payment systems) are examples of how Ghanaian entrepreneurs are innovating in sectors such as health tech and fintech.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

AI Applications in Various Sectors: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being explored in Ghana for applications in agriculture, education, healthcare, and security. AI technologies are used for predictive analytics, personalized healthcare, and optimizing agricultural practices.

Data Analytics: The government has also encouraged data-driven decision-making through the implementation of the National Data Center and National Digital Addressing System. This helps improve public service delivery and national planning.
 

Agriculture Technology (AgriTech)

Smart Farming: The agricultural sector in Ghana is adopting emerging technologies such as drone surveillance, precision farming, and automated irrigation systems. These technologies help improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize resource usage.

Blockchain for Supply Chain: AgriTech startups like Farmerline are utilizing blockchain and digital platforms to improve transparency in agricultural supply chains and provide farmers with better access to market prices, weather forecasting, and financial services.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies

Solar Power Development: Ghana has abundant sunlight, and renewable energy, particularly solar power, is being harnessed for both grid and off-grid systems. The government has introduced incentives for solar energy projects, and many private companies are contributing to the sector’s growth.

Energy Efficiency Innovations: In addition to solar energy, Ghana is also adopting smart grids, battery storage solutions, and other energy-efficient technologies to tackle the challenges of energy access and distribution.

Blockchain and Fintech

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: Ghana is among the countries in Africa exploring blockchain technology for various applications such as secure voting systems, financial inclusion, and supply chain management. 

Fintech Growth: Financial technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Ghana, with innovations that enable mobile payments, digital wallets, microloans, and remittance services. Companies like Brij, Hubtel, ExpressPay, and PaySwitch are leading the way in creating easier and faster payment systems.

HealthTech and Telemedicine

Telemedicine and Digital Health Platforms: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in Ghana, and several startups have since emerged to provide virtual healthcare services. These platforms enable consultations with doctors remotely, addressing access issues in rural and underserved areas.

Digital Health Records: The government has also worked on implementing digital health records in public health systems, improving efficiency in patient care management.

Smart Cities and Urban Tech

Smart City Initiatives: Ghana has started to explore the development of “smart cities” through the use of technology to improve urban living, including smart lighting, waste management, traffic management, and surveillance.
Sustainable Urban Planning: Technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being used to plan and monitor urban development, ensuring more sustainable and efficient cities.

Critical Minerals (see mining section for more information) 


Nuclear Energy 

Small Modular Reactors: In line with its desire to seek alternative sources of energy and ensure a stable supply to support its industrialization drive, the country decided to focus on the development of civil nuclear power to meet its energy needs. After consideration of bids from five companies for the development of a civil nuclear energy plant, a commercial agreement was reached in August 2024 between Nuclear Power Ghana and Regnum Technology Group, a U.S. developer, for a small modular reactor project using NuScale Power Technology. 

Space Technology

Launch of Ghana Space Policy: The country in November 2024 launched its Space Policy with one of the major aims to improve Ghana’s ability to manage the biophysical environment effectively. This aligns with the country’s broader development agenda, which seeks to transform the economy by effectively applying science, technology, and innovation. By coordinating and promoting space-based technologies across different sectors, the policy aims to enhance the country’s capacity to address challenges like climate change, food security, and resource management. The policy also seeks to position Ghana as an active player in the global space community. By fostering international cooperation, the country hopes to improve its human capital development, knowledge exchange, and infrastructure investments in space technology.

Government agencies Supporting Emerging Technologies (please see the Digital Chapter) 

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC): GIPC offers incentives to foreign and local investors in the tech sector, creating an attractive environment for businesses and startups.  

Public-Private Partnerships Office: Ghana is focusing on partnerships between the government and private sector to harness emerging technologies. For instance, Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has supported the provision of internet connectivity in rural communities.

Challenges to Emerging Tech Development

  • Infrastructure Gaps: Despite advancements, there are still gaps in key areas such as electricity access, reliable internet, and technical skills, which can hinder the full realization of emerging technologies.
  • Funding and Investment: Many tech startups face difficulties in securing sufficient capital, which limits their ability to scale. Ghana’s venture capital landscape is still developing.
  • Regulatory Environment: The lack of clear and consistent regulatory frameworks in some emerging tech sectors (e.g., blockchain, AI) creates uncertainty and limit innovation.

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