{"id":222636,"date":"2024-10-01T12:45:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T12:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/10\/01\/ghanas-president-champions-policy-driven-innovation-at-africa-soft-powers-unga-symposium\/"},"modified":"2024-10-01T12:45:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T12:45:42","slug":"ghanas-president-champions-policy-driven-innovation-at-africa-soft-powers-unga-symposium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/10\/01\/ghanas-president-champions-policy-driven-innovation-at-africa-soft-powers-unga-symposium\/","title":{"rendered":"Ghana’s President Champions Policy-Driven Innovation at Africa Soft Power\u2019s UNGA Symposium"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At this year\u2019s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ghana\u2019s President H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a powerful message at the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium, hosted by Africa Soft Power (ASP) in partnership with Convene Africa.\n<\/p>\n
The symposium brought together key leaders and innovators to discuss how policy can serve as the foundation for Africa\u2019s digital transformation. President Akufo-Addo emphasized that robust policy frameworks are essential to unlocking Africa\u2019s innovation potential, fuelling economic growth, and driving prosperity across the continent.\n<\/p>\n
The event focused on two critical themes: the role of remittances in promoting shared prosperity and the pressing need for a unified digital economy across Africa.<\/p>\n
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Building the foundations of innovation through policy<\/strong><\/p>\n
During his keynote, President Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of creating a solid policy foundation to enable digital growth. \u201cTo truly unlock the potential of digital technology, we must begin with a solid foundation\u2014policy. Good policies create an environment where innovation thrives, businesses grow, and people gain access to services that improve their lives,\u201d he stated. His message resonated with the event\u2019s focus on policy as a cornerstone for Africa\u2019s technological and economic development.\n<\/p>\n
Conversations That Matter: Africa\u2019s inclusion in global dialogue<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n
This symposium is part of ASP\u2019s series of high-level discussions held annually during the UNGA, ensuring Africa remains a central voice in global conversations. Past events have tackled themes such as women\u2019s leadership, the role of Africa\u2019s youth, and innovative responses to global challenges.\n<\/p>\n
One of this year\u2019s standout panels, \u201cWindows of Opportunity: Innovating for Shared Prosperity through Remittances and Global Connections\u201d, delved into how remittances continue to play a vital role in fostering economic resilience across Africa. Panellists agreed that remittances remain a lifeline for millions of families and a critical driver of sustainable development across the continent.\n<\/p>\n
Oluwabankole Falade, Chief Regulatory and Public Policy Officer at Flutterwave, stressed the necessity of sound policies to enhance remittance flows. \u201cWithout the right regulatory frameworks, we can\u2019t fully tap into the pool of funds available. We need policies that encourage the flow of money into the continent,\u201d he said, echoing President Akufo-Addo\u2019s call for policy-driven growth.<\/p>\n
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Collaboration: A key driver of economic growth<\/strong> <\/p>\n
The panellists further explored how collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and development organizations could spur economic growth. Faheen Allibhoy, MD & Global Head for Multilateral & Development Institutions at JP Morgan, highlighted the role of multilateral organizations in harmonizing regulations and building capacity to promote Africa\u2019s economic resilience.\n<\/p>\n
Towards a unified digital economy<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n
Another focal discussion was \u201cCross-sector Collaborations: Investing in Critical Digital Public Infrastructure and Strategic Partnerships to Advance a Unified Digital Economy.\u201d This panel explored how public-private partnerships can accelerate Africa\u2019s journey towards a digitally connected future. Experts agreed that robust infrastructure, built through collaboration between governments and the private sector, is essential for fostering innovation, interoperability, and inclusivity across the continent.<\/p>\n
Ebenezer Twum Asante, Senior Vice President of Markets at MTN Group, highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enable mobile money interoperability and facilitate the integration of payment systems across Africa.\n<\/p>\n
Osaruyi Orobosa-Ogbeide, Senior Vice President & Head of Project Development at the Africa Finance Corporation, further emphasized the need for sustained investment. \u201cWe must ensure that investments continue. This can only happen in environments with the right regulations, investment safety, and political stability,\u201d he said, underscoring the role of policy in creating an environment conducive to economic growth.\n<\/p>\n
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Youth-Led Innovation: A powerful asset for Africa<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of AfCFTA, emphasized the need to include Africa\u2019s youth in the continent\u2019s digital transformation. \u201cWe must take concrete steps to enable young people, who are at the forefront of digital innovation, to participate in the implementation of AfCFTA,\u201d he said, reflecting President Akufo-Addo\u2019s vision of empowering the continent through strategic policies.<\/p>\n
Amplifying African voices on the global stage<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n
In her closing remarks, Nkiru Balonwu, Founder of Africa Soft Power, reiterated the organization\u2019s mission of amplifying African voices in global conversations. \u201cOur goal is to ensure that Africa\u2019s voices are not only heard but play a central role in shaping the global agenda. The challenges we face are global, and Africa\u2019s insights are essential for crafting lasting solutions. This is not just about inclusion; it\u2019s about leadership,\u201d she concluded.\n<\/p>\n
As the symposium wrapped up, the message was clear: Africa\u2019s future lies in uniting around shared goals, fostering youth-led innovation, and establishing the right policies and infrastructure to support its digital and economic transformation.<\/p>\n
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