Ghana’s Ambitious Leap into the Tech Future
Ghana is positioning itself to become a leading African nation in terms of emerging technology companies. With a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and a growing tech-savvy population, the country is on the brink of a significant transformation in its startup ecosystem.
The Innovation and Startups Bill
At the heart of this transformation is the Innovation and Startups Bill, introduced in 2020. This legislation is not just a regulatory framework; it represents a golden opportunity for fostering gender inclusivity and encouraging the establishment of more female-led startups. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations in Ghana states that the bill aims to promote creativity, innovation, and new technologies while boosting competitiveness and adding substantial value to the economy.
Key Features of the Bill
The Innovation and Startups Bill is designed to provide startups with several advantages, including tax incentives, streamlined registration processes, and easier access to funding. These measures address common challenges that have historically hindered the growth of many startups in Ghana. By creating a more favorable environment for innovation, the bill aims to stimulate economic growth and technological advancement.
Women in the Startup Ecosystem
Women play a crucial role in Ghana’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector. However, the World Bank estimates that only 44% of local MSMEs are owned by women. Despite this, Ghana has made significant strides in narrowing the gender gap, particularly in business, where 65% of women are part of the labor market, compared to an average of 63% across sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, many women-owned businesses still struggle with access to essential resources needed to enhance productivity and increase revenue, especially in rural areas.
Voices from the Ground
Josiah Eyison, an innovation strategist and co-founder of iSpace Foundation, emphasizes that the Innovation and Startups Bill is a crucial step toward creating an environment conducive to the growth of startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators. He highlights that one of the bill’s main priorities is gender inclusivity, ensuring that women-led startups receive the necessary support to thrive. Eyison points out that the gender disparity in tech is a global issue, and Ghana is no exception. Cultural biases, limited access to funding, and workplace challenges are significant barriers that need to be addressed.
Empowering Women in STEM
The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), founded in 2003, has been instrumental in stimulating growth within the tech industry. This partnership has empowered women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through initiatives like eSkills4Jobs and the annual Females in ICT (FEMITECH) conference. These programs aim to equip women with the skills necessary to start and manage tech businesses, thereby promoting gender equity in the sector.
The Role of NEIP
Eric Adjei, CEO of Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), underscores the importance of the Innovation and Startups Bill in providing a structured framework for furthering startup growth and increasing female participation in the sector. He believes that if executed properly, the bill could offer incentives for women-led startups, improve access to funding, and establish mentorship programs—essential measures for bridging the gender gap in tech.
Implementation Challenges
While Ghana has introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting gender parity, such as the Affirmative Action Act, these efforts have not fully addressed gender equality, particularly in tech and business. The Innovation and Startups Bill, while a positive development, must be backed by well-thought-out policies and strong enforcement to ensure its success in promoting gender inclusivity.
The Path Forward
Both Adjei and Eyison argue that the bill must include solid countermeasures to prevent discrimination. Encouraging STEM education for young girls, setting up mentorship programs, and ensuring equal funding opportunities for female-led startups are essential steps. Increasing women’s involvement in tech will not only introduce diverse perspectives but also fuel innovation and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
A Call for Accountability
Ethel Delali Cofie, CEO of EDEL Technology Consulting, believes that Ghana is on the brink of a transformative moment for its entrepreneurial ecosystem. However, she stresses the need for the Startup Bill to be more than just a policy on paper. It must be a fully functional system with clear timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability structures.
Ghana’s Potential as a Startup Hub
If Ghana can create an inclusive and enforceable Startup Bill, it could position itself as West Africa’s leading startup hub. This would attract investment, foster innovation, and create sustainable jobs for future generations. According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, Ghana ranks third in Africa in terms of female-led ventures. If the Innovation and Startups Bill is passed into law, it is expected to significantly increase the number of women entrepreneurs in the country’s tech industry.
By focusing on these critical areas, Ghana is not just aiming to become a tech powerhouse; it is also striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive in the burgeoning world of technology.