Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President of Ghana, has called for stronger leadership and deliberate investment in innovation to drive Africa’s economic progress.

0

Speaking at Harvard University on Saturday, February 15, he highlighted the importance of building ecosystems that support technological advancements, arguing that talent is not Africa’s challenge—leadership and infrastructure are.

1

“Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberateness, leadership, and investment to create the ecosystems where innovations and innovators thrive,” Dr. Bawumia stated while addressing students, faculty, and policy experts at the African Development Conference.

2

He detailed Ghana’s digital transformation journey, illustrating how the country has strategically leveraged technology to modernise its economy, improve public service delivery, and expand job opportunities.

3

Central to Ghana’s progress, he explained, is the adoption of the Ghanacard, a biometric national ID system that has provided over 85% of adults with unique identities, thereby streamlining financial inclusion, taxation, and government service access.

4

Another key development is Ghana’s digital property address system, which has mapped the entire country and resolved a long-standing challenge in service delivery and governance.

5

“A modern economy simply cannot function without a reliable address system,” he remarked, emphasizing the operational efficiency gained through digital innovations.

6

Dr. Bawumia also showcased Ghana’s leadership in digital payments, particularly through Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI), which has transformed financial transactions. He highlighted that the initiative has granted over 90% of the adult population access to financial services, making Ghana the only African country to achieve universal financial inclusion.

7

“Ghana is at the cutting edge of digital payments technology,” he declared, citing the nation’s recognition as the best globally in mobile money regulation.

8

He explained how these advancements have spurred the growth of e-commerce and empowered small businesses, particularly those operating online.

9

The former Vice President further discussed Ghana’s digitalisation of the healthcare sector, which has improved medical records and service efficiency. He highlighted the role of drone technology, in collaboration with Zipline, in revolutionising emergency medical supply deliveries to remote areas, ultimately saving lives.

10

“Ghana now has the largest medical drone delivery service in the world,” he stated, illustrating the impact of technological solutions in tackling healthcare challenges.

11

In agriculture, he outlined how the introduction of a biometric farmer database has enhanced planning, transparency, and financial access for farmers, strengthening the agricultural value chain.

12

As he concluded his address, Dr. Bawumia urged African leaders to embrace digital transformation with a mindset of possibilities, arguing that technology is essential for economic survival and development in the 21st century.

13

“By working together—governments, businesses, educators, and innovators—we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

14