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Accra, Ghana — November 2023 – Building on the resounding success of its 2023 debut, the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is thrilled to announce the 2nd Edition of the Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable, slated for August 2024. This year’s gathering promises to elevate the dialogue by bringing together fresh perspectives through new partnerships, a more comprehensive agenda, and a sharpened focus on bridging Ghana’s digital divide. With a diverse line-up of distinguished speakers, panelists, and stakeholders, the event is set to create actionable pathways toward a digitally inclusive Ghana.
The inaugural edition, held in 2023, served as a critical platform that brought together leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and academia. Through meaningful discussions, the event highlighted both the opportunities and challenges around digital and financial inclusion in Ghana. As technology continues to shape the country’s socio-economic landscape, ensuring that every Ghanaian, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities, can access and benefit from digital and financial services remains a key priority.
Reflecting on the impact of the first edition, Peterking Quaye, Executive Director of WAICTANet, noted, “The Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable has emerged as an essential forum for fostering collaborative efforts toward digital access for all. Last year’s discussions laid down a foundational roadmap, turning conversations into actionable initiatives and policy frameworks. It was inspiring to see the commitment from various stakeholders who share our vision of making digital and financial resources accessible for every Ghanaian.”
Despite significant progress, Ghana continues to face substantial hurdles in achieving universal digital and financial inclusion. While mobile connectivity has become more widespread, with approximately 53% of Ghanaians owning mobile devices, access to internet services remains limited in rural areas. This disparity not only restricts access to essential financial services but also limits social and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
Recent statistics from the National Communications Authority indicate that internet penetration in rural Ghana is as low as 20% in some regions, exposing a critical need for infrastructure and policy intervention. The lack of digital skills, limited affordability, and exclusion of women, youth, and rural populations further exacerbate the digital divide. “We’re facing an urgent need for a truly inclusive digital ecosystem,” emphasized Quaye. “Digital access is about more than just connectivity; it’s about enabling equitable participation in society and economy. This event is a rallying call for stakeholders to close the gap and ensure no one is left behind.”
This year’s discussions will be anchored in data-driven insights, highlighting the current landscape of digital and financial exclusion in Ghana. Recent research reveals that over 30% of Ghana’s rural population remains unbanked, with only 18% having access to online financial services, according to data from the Ghana Statistical Service. Such statistics underscore the importance of creating scalable, long-term solutions to integrate these communities into the digital economy. The event will also delve into policy suggestions to facilitate digital growth in Ghana’s underrepresented areas. Discussions will focus on sustainable models for expanding internet infrastructure, strategies to make digital access more affordable, and ways to build a financially inclusive ecosystem.
The 2024 Roundtable will bring together an esteemed group of thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are at the forefront of the digital inclusion movement. These distinguished voices will provide invaluable insights into best practices, emerging trends, and collaborative opportunities for advancing Ghana’s digital and financial access. With such an experienced and diverse panel, the roundtable will offer an unparalleled opportunity for participants to explore and address Ghana’s most pressing digital inclusion challenges.
The 2nd Edition of the Ghana Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable is poised to be a landmark event in advancing Ghana’s digital inclusion agenda. Through these rich and varied discussions, WAICTANet seeks to create a ripple effect that will lead to real change, propelling socio-economic growth, digital literacy, and financial empowerment for all Ghanaians. “This year, we’re taking the conversation to a new level with a focus on action and implementation,” Quaye concluded. “The 2024 event isn’t just a forum to discuss barriers. It’s a platform for developing and committing to solutions that will drive a digitally inclusive future for Ghana.”
WAICTANet is also excited to announce collaborations with a range of new partners for the 2024 event. These include influential stakeholders from government bodies, telecommunications firms, financial institutions, and innovation hubs, both local and international. By bringing together resources and expertise from diverse sectors, these partnerships aim to foster a cohesive approach to advancing digital inclusion across the nation. The agenda for this year’s roundtable is designed to be more expansive, focusing on practical, ground-level solutions that address Ghana’s unique digital inclusion challenges.