Ghana’s economy is experiencing a quiet revolution powered by digital inclusion, offering valuable lessons for Nigeria as it seeks to diversify its economy and create jobs for its young population.
The Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Ghana report, published by GSMA, reveals how government reforms, affordable connectivity, and innovation-friendly policies are reshaping sectors from agriculture to trade.
Ghana’s commitment to building a “digitally inclusive and data-driven economy” has earned it one of the highest rankings among African nations on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ICT Development Index 2024, scoring 66.2 compared with South Africa (83.6), Botswana (78.7), Kenya (58.5), Nigeria (46.9) and Rwanda (46.8).
The report said the government’s RESET agenda has prioritised reforms to make connectivity affordable, expand access to digital services, and encourage innovation.
These include the repeal of the electronic transfer levy, which had previously dampened mobile money adoption, as well as a review of the regulatory framework to support investment and consumer protection.
“Ghana’s RESET agenda provides the perfect framework for digital-led growth,” said Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA. “Our report shows that by addressing specific policy barriers from spectrum allocation to device affordability, we can connect millions more Ghanaians while positioning the country as West Africa’s premier digital hub. The mobile industry stands ready to partner with the government in making this transformation a reality.”
The report provides detailed policy recommendations and economic modelling, showing how strategic reforms could expand mobile internet adoption to 20.6 million unique users by 2029, up from 13.1 million today.
“The telecoms sector in Ghana has made steady progress in recent years,” the report notes, but stresses that “bold policy actions are required to accelerate digital adoption, reduce the cost of supply, and promote investment in both mobile money and mobile broadband services.”
“The government’s decision to repeal the electronic transfer levy in April 2025 is highlighted as a critical step, expected to feed directly into lower retail prices, which will boost adoption and usage of mobile broadband,” it said.
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The economic dividends are significant. Digitalisation is projected to inject GHS 10.5 billion into agriculture, raising crop yields by up to 20 percent and creating 190,000 jobs by 2029.
The report links this growth to access to technology and precision agriculture, which increase crop yields between 10.5 percent and 20 percent and profits up to 23 percent. In the industry, embracing advanced technologies such as IoT and AI could add GHS 15 billion in value, generate 110,000 new jobs, and strengthen local supply chains.
Trade is another sector witnessing transformation, the report said. Digital platforms and cross-border e-commerce are projected to contribute GHS 5.1 billion to GDP and create 60,000 jobs.
The report cites Ghana’s paperless port system as a milestone reform, noting that after one year of implementation, the GRA reported a 3.9 percent increase in import revenue directly attributable to the new system and a 24 percent increase in government revenues.
Digital financial services are reshaping inclusion as well. With 68 percent of adults owning a financial account, mobile money has become a backbone of the economy.
“MTN’s mAgric platform is singled out as a game changer for farmers, serving as an entry point for financial inclusion for unbanked farmers and digitising value-chain payments.”
The overall macroeconomic impact is striking, considering direct and indirect contributions of the mobile ecosystem, as well as the productivity impact throughout the economy. Its contribution to GDP in 2024 is estimated at GHS 94 billion, equivalent to 8 percent of GDP. In addition, the telecoms sector paid GHS 9.8 billion in taxes in 2024, representing over 43 percent of industry revenues.
For Nigeria, the GSMA report said Ghana’s experience provides a roadmap. Affordable connectivity, consistent regulatory reforms, and aggressive investment in digital skills have turned Ghana into one of West Africa’s most digitally advanced nations.
The report added that “The mobile sector in Ghana will continue to play a key role as a strategic technology partner for the government… building on recent gains in digital and financial inclusion to accelerate digital transformation and the long-term technological advancement of Ghana as a digital hub for West Africa.”