Africa Must Build Its Own Technology: Sam George Calls for Homegrown Digital Solutions

Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has urged African countries to reduce their dependence on foreign-developed technologies and invest in digital solutions that reflect the continent’s languages, cultures and development needs. His call emphasizes the importance of building homegrown capacity in the digital space.

Speaking at Digital Economy Live 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the minister argued that Africa could not build a competitive digital economy without developing the capacity to create, adapt and regulate its own technologies. He stressed that reliance on foreign-developed solutions limits the continent’s ability to shape its digital future.

According to George, African countries must invest in digital solutions that are tailored to their own contexts, reflecting local languages, cultures and development priorities. Such an approach, he argued, would enable the continent to build a digital economy that truly serves its people and meets their needs.

The minister’s remarks underscore the importance of technological sovereignty and self-reliance in Africa’s digital transformation. By developing the capacity to create, adapt and regulate their own technologies, African countries can reduce their dependence on external providers and ensure that digital solutions align with local realities.

George’s call comes at a time when digital technologies are increasingly central to economic development, making it essential for African countries to build the skills and infrastructure needed to compete. His emphasis on regulation also highlights the need for frameworks that protect citizens and ensure that technology serves the public interest.

The minister’s message at Digital Economy Live 2026 resonates with broader efforts to promote Africa’s digital independence and to harness technology for development. By investing in homegrown solutions, African countries can build a digital economy that reflects their identities and aspirations while competing on the global stage.

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