African nations must evolve from tech consumers to innovators – Ken Ashigbey

Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana’s Chamber of Telecommunications, has called for African nations to move beyond mere technology consumption, urging greater cross-border collaboration to drive innovation.

Speaking at the Excellence Conference 2024, Dr. Ashigbey emphasized that Africa’s tech challenges are unique opportunities to create solutions tailored to its needs, including in the fast-growing 5G sector, projected to reach 70 million users by 2026.

He highlighted the need to build foundational skills for AI and adopt inclusive policies to bridge the technology gap.

The conference also underscored the importance of trust and regulatory reform to facilitate regional cooperation, with leaders from Nigeria’s NITDA and NOTAP discussing infrastructure and intellectual property advances.

Dr. Ashigbey advocated for technology that is accessible in local languages, stressing that sustainable development requires policies enabling all citizens to engage with technology effectively.